Yoga – mind:body connection

Yoga means to connect – the mind, body and soul – using the medium of the breath. Does that sound simple – or complicated?

The whole concept of the mind:body connection is often suggested as a reason to meditate. The premise being that when you relax the mind that you can affect the state of the body.

mind:body connection

This is totally true of course – a positive attitude can improve the immune response whilst conversely fear and sadness will reduce the ability of the body to respond to stress. It is always worth working on your mindset and becoming more aware of your habitual thought patterns. Perhaps this is the place to start – or perhaps there is a different way?

The mind:body connection is, of course, a 2 way process – and this is discussed less. Without any doubt the way you hold your body will affect your mental state. Why not start with the body and see how that affects the mind?

Standing tall

Consider the difference between a standing position with the weight unevenly distributed between the feet, back poorly supported, shoulders slumped, head forward and eyes to the floor – and a posture with weight evenly distributed between the feet, strong legs and even hips, glutes and core engaged to give upright spinal position and shoulders engaged – with the head stacked above as if an invisible thread were attached and eyes directed forward. Add a smile – and see how that affects your mindset.

Yoga can affect this association at any level. We can do some movement and settle into relaxation. Perhaps a guided meditation to sooth the brain. Or perhaps we can allow ourselves to get lost in the physical – a meditation in movement, if you will – to affect how our body feels – and as a result, our mental state. Perhaps your teacher will offer some positive affirmations during the practice to positively affect your spirit on another level. Affirmations during a session of physical can have a profound affect on your mood.

Whatever the science, when you need yoga it will be there for you – as it has been for many centuries. Yoga provides the tools for that mind:body connection.

Dru Yoga and the Mind:Body Connection

I often describe Dru yoga as a meditation in movement. Gentle, flowing movements, working with the breath, affirmations and a deep relaxation. See here for online classes – and keep in touch here for events moving forward.