Yoga Social - A New Way to Beat Loneliness

London: In a large room of a Victorian building in the heart of London, a group of people can be seen sitting in a circle - laughing, poking fun at each other and catching up. On a closer look, each was attempting an Ardha Matsyendrasana -- a pose in Yoga to strengthen the back, neck muscles and arms. The group was in a class of Yoga Social, a form of Yoga that is gaining popularity among the young and the old - particularly in the buzzing capital cities where the 'loneliness factor' has been termed high.

Yoga is usually associated with silence, calmness, and even tranquility. Yoga Social is slightly different. It is fun, interactive and mainly performed in pairs or teams.

"We see so many people all the time, in offices, in tubes or trains but no one stops to smile. There is no quality conversation, no touch no impact, plain noise in cities. This is a great way to break the routine and laugh and do good to your body and mind," says Marc, a government employee and student of Yoga.

"I was curious about what this is. I am not an expert but I can tell that this is not just fun, I get to keep in touch - with myself and my friends here too. Very holistic," added Adam Avan, an IT professional.

Richard Brooke began training people in Yoga eight years ago. From six persons a class last year for this form of Yoga to now atleast 15 per class in multiple batches, Richard has a stretched day, literally, he says, "It is the loneliness factor which leads to so many unwanted thoughts, memories flowing in. Yoga is as much about unity, wholeness and laughter as much as it is about silence and calmness. This form of Yoga is getting popular world over. It is not that we do not have quite moments. The students also do asana solo - that's when they get time for themselves, with themselves."