May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I wanted to acknowledge that. We live in a world that can at times be very stressful. Even prior to the pandemic rates of anxiety, depression and loneliness were are record highs across the globe. The global pandemic is recognized to have pushed many to the edge. Most people’s anxiety runs at a constant high. Over time this can have significant health consequences. There is hope and solutions out there for you.
I know personally that the isolation and fear and loss during the pandem had a profound impact on BOTH my physical and mental health. Fortunately my yoga practice has afforded me with mind-body awareness that I did not previously have. I had the awareness and tools available to move myself to a balanced place.
Yoga is so much more than a physical practice. If you attend my classes or have heard me speak I always take the opportunity to introduce the concept that Yoga is more a Brain and Life practice than it is a physical practice. In asana (posture) yoga classes we are moving our bodies. We are stretching and strengthening and working with our breath. The body component is undeniable. Much of western yoga classes have focused solely on the physical and left out these bigger transformational aspects of Yoga. If a yoga class solely focused on the body with no mention of the brain then it merely another exercise class. In my training I learned that All Yoga done Authentically is a Mediation. If a class is body, body, body, with no focus awareness and noticing our thoughts then I don’t really consider that yoga. You can’t have Mind-Body practice without the mind.
This meditative or brain-centric part of the practice is where you can do real work. Work that will lead to transformational change. Initially you create awareness of the brain. It might be a busy brain, an anxious disposition, loneliness, depression or something else. With this awareness and the appropriate tools you can start to take action to move yourself in a balancing direction.
I believe the mat as an analogy of life. If something shows up on the mat — Overthinking, competitiveness, negative self talk, perfectionism, anticipation, —- it usually shows up in your life. With that awareness we can try out letting go and being in the present moment. Accepting what is. Over time you can move this skill set out into the world.
On June 12 I’m hosting an in-person workshop in St. Petersburg titled Tools from the Yogi’s Toolkit. We will explore methods to assess where we are out of balance and sample the practices designed to move you toward equilibrium, toward harmony, toward equanimity or even temperedness. More information on my home page.