Sometimes in life, you may not feel that you have control over the best sensations of your body. No one knows what those are because they are not extremely familiar with all parts of their anatomy. Yoga brings you closer to the sensations of your body.
Throughout my weight loss journey, yoga was my saving grace. People often do not understand how much of an emotional journey weight loss can be. I also suffered more depressive states, extending my arms and lifting my leg mid-air to emulate “Warrior 3” pose. My imbalance would throw me off, and at first, I would feel frustrated, but after a few falls, I finally would reach my balance. All it would take would be positively spoken words by Adriene Mishler, my home yoga instructor: “Don’t worry. I’ll catch you if you fall.” Even though she would not actually catch me if I fell, her words personally reassured me. If I fall, I know that I can get right back up.
A respectable aspect of yoga is its power to understand body limits. Although our bodies can sometimes pose limitations, yoga can still take us completely out of our comfort zones. If you are like me, you definitely know the arduous experience of core conditioning. This past summer, I have accepted the core challenge to condition the central part of my body. At first, I could not attempt to stay in plank for more than a few seconds or do a boat pose. However, I was more relaxed, compared to feeling frustrated last year. After messing up poses, I consistently tried them again, but this time laughing rather than crying. Despite not having rock-hard abs, over a few weeks, I already feel a stronger core.
Unlike other workouts, yoga provides a sense of connection between the body and mind. You may think, what truly is the difference between the two? The mind controls the body to a certain degree. In theory, the nervous system is the center of bodily functions, yet through a philosophical end, the mind seems to be detached from the body. Our minds are constantly trying to function, and sometimes our body does not keep up with the pace. The lag can cause fatigue and increase stress. With yoga, you can reconnect the two again as it is meant to be. The simple power of the breath ligates the energies of the mind and body, creating a holistic cleanse.
There is a reason why many practice yoga today. In fact, medical professionals continually recommend it for people living high-stress lifestyles. The healing power supersedes anything temporary in your life, whether it is frustration or possibly excessive happiness. It provides a sense of balance and grounding. Through Adriene Mishler’s yoga videos, I have gained a sense of awareness of my own body and mind. There is powerful sensation that exists in all of us. It can test our limits, keep us content, or it can set us apart from everyone else. While our daily lives may bury that power, yoga is capable of unveiling it. Go out there and follow Adriene’s mantra “Find what feels good” and somehow you will find the right peace of mind in your practice.
