Mindful Yoga

Most Americans these days are familiar with the term “yoga.” They see yoga studios sprouting up in their neighborhoods, see yoga classes taught at fitness centers, YMCAs, senior centers and the like. They go to these classes thinking it’s a mild form of exercise – easy stretches for the hamstrings, triceps and back. Yet if you look deeper, exercise is only a tiny aspect of yoga.

Did you ever wonder why yoga is taught in some heart rehab facilities and holistic centers? It’s because yoga not only deals with aspects of the body but also aspects of the mind and the spirit.

How many times have you heard doctors say “You’re stressed. You need to relax. I don’t see any physical evidence of why you are experiencing this pain.” If the pain isn’t due to some physical problem, then where is the pain coming from? In many cases, it comes from your mind. Your thinking can make you sick. If you stop to think about the concept, it does make a lot of sense. Your leg bone is connected to your thigh bone; your thigh bone is connect to you hip bone. All your bones are connected, your muscles are connected, your vascular and nervous systems are connected. Your heart and brain are connected as well. So it’s easy to come to the conclusion that if one part of your body is sick, other parts of your body are affected.

So, what does all this have to do with yoga? The essence of yoga is based on controlling your thoughts to achieve a better sense of wellbeing. If you are sick, you can go do the doctor and get a pill or have an operation, but the healing doesn’t take place in the doctor’s office or operating room, it takes place at home. Healing the body takes time, and your attitude about your illness plays an important part in how quickly you will heal. If you believe you will recover from your surgery and visualize yourself getting back to your normal routine, the chances are in your favor that you will. If you are constantly afraid that you’ll never be able to get out of bed or think you will have a relapse if you so much as try to do something you used to, there’s a good chance your fears will stop you from getting better.

So, we need to find a way to control our thoughts. For me, and millions of others, practicing yoga going beyond a forward bend, downward dog, or spinal twist is one way to do that. So, as the new year begins, I leave you with good thoughts. Control your thoughts and you can be a healthier and happier person.