living in survival
I used to feel like I was drowning in my own thoughts. My mind raced with worry and fear, and there were times I couldn’t seem to catch my breath. I was constantly on edge, about to break down if any little thing went wrong. It felt like there was a weight on my chest that I couldn’t shake off, always waiting for everything to go horribly wrong.
I’ve had anxiety for as long as I can remember. I can’t seem to remember a time before the racing thoughts, constant worry, and suffocating grip of anxiety. I had little to no sense of my body; it was just a vehicle to get my mind from one place to another. I ate, slept, and did what I needed, as needed, to survive. The mind-body connection was the last thing on my constantly frantic mind.
Before practicing yoga, I often felt overwhelmed and stressed. I would struggle with anxiety and difficulty in managing my thoughts and emotions. However, through the physical practice of yoga and the mindfulness techniques taught within it, I have gained a powerful tool for managing my mental and emotional wellbeing.
the mind-body connection
The mind-body connection refers to the relationship between our thoughts, emotions and physical body. Research has shown that our mental and emotional state can greatly impact our physical health, and vice versa.
One example of this connection is the role of stress in the development of physical illnesses. When we experience chronic stress, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol which can negatively impact our immune system, making us more susceptible to disease. Additionally, stress can lead to muscle tension and chronic pain. In contrast, positive emotions such as happiness, contentment, and gratitude are believed to have a beneficial effect on physical health and can even boost the immune system.
Before I began practicing yoga, I was also completely out of touch with my body, spending most of my time within my anxious mind. Through the mental and physical practice of yoga, I have learned to sense my body much more deeply and can notice when something feels better, worse, or different. For example, if I sit with poor posture for a few days, I am much more aware of the effect that has on my neck and shoulders. Likewise, if I eat highly processed foods like McDonald’s, I can feel the effects on my body’s functioning and energy much more profoundly.
The mind-body connection is a profound aspect of our human experience, and yoga acts as a gateway to exploring and nurturing this connection. By integrating the physical and mental dimensions of our being, we unlock a greater sense of balance, harmony, and well-being.
yoga’s impact
Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline that aims to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit.
The earliest evidence of yoga can be found in the ancient Hindu texts known as the Vedas, which date back to around 1500 BCE. These texts contain references to techniques that are now known as yoga, such as the practice of breath control and meditation.
Over time, yoga evolved to include a variety of physical postures and movements (known as “asanas”), as well as more advanced forms of meditation and spiritual practice. Yoga spread beyond India to other parts of the world, particularly in the 20th century.
Today, it has become a popular form of exercise and stress relief in many countries around the world. The practice of yoga has also been the subject of numerous scientific studies, which have found that it can have a wide range of health benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving flexibility and strength.
Yoga is a practice that has been known for its ability to calm the mind and body. However, it is not just the mind and body that benefit from yoga, as it also has a significant impact on the nervous system in particular. The calming effect of yoga on the nervous system can be attributed to its ability to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
One of the primary ways yoga achieves this is through the use of deep breathing techniques. By focusing on deep, controlled breaths, the body is able to slow down and shift from the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for fight-or-flight responses) to the parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for rest and relaxation). This shift helps to lower heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels – all of which contribute to a calmer nervous system.
In addition to deep breathing, yoga poses also work to reduce tension and promote relaxation in the body. Certain poses, such as forward folds and gentle twists, are particularly effective at calming the nervous system by releasing tension in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. When these areas are relaxed, it sends a signal to the brain that the body is safe and can shift out of fight-or-flight mode.
Beyond the physical postures and sequences, yoga offers a profound opportunity to cultivate a deep and meaningful mind-body connection. Let’s explore how yoga can change our lives by bridging the gap between our mental and physical realms:
- Awareness and Presence: Yoga encourages us to bring our full awareness and attention to the present moment. Through mindful movement, breathwork, and meditation, we learn to tune in to the sensations and messages that arise within our bodies. By shifting our focus from external distractions to internal experiences, we develop a heightened sense of presence. This presence serves as a gateway to understanding and connecting with our bodies on a much deeper level.
- Embodied Wisdom: Our bodies possess a remarkable wisdom that often goes unnoticed amidst the noise of our minds. Through regular yoga practice, we start to recognize and trust this innate wisdom. As we move through asanas (poses) and explore the limits of our physical capabilities, we learn to listen to the messages our bodies are sending us. We become attuned to the subtle cues of tension, discomfort, or ease, allowing us to make conscious choices that support our overall well-being. This deep connection to our bodies fosters a profound sense of self-awareness and empowers us to make choices aligned with our true needs and desires.
- Emotional Release and Healing: The mind-body connection is not limited to physical sensations alone; it also encompasses our emotions and mental states. Yoga provides a safe space for emotional release and healing, allowing us to process and let go of accumulated stress, tension, and negative emotions. Through the combination of breathwork, movement, and mindfulness, yoga facilitates the release of emotional blockages stored within our bodies. As we move, stretch, and breathe through challenging postures, we may encounter emotions that have been suppressed or neglected. By acknowledging and embracing these emotions, we create space for healing, growth, and greater emotional well-being.
- Stress Reduction and Mental Clarity: Modern life can be overwhelming, leading to high levels of stress and mental fatigue. Yoga acts as a powerful antidote, offering a sanctuary where we can find solace and clarity. The practice of conscious breathing and deliberate movement in yoga triggers the relaxation response, calming the nervous system and reducing stress hormones. As a result, our minds become clearer, and our thoughts become more focused and centered. The mind-body connection established through yoga helps us develop resilience and equanimity, enabling us to navigate life’s challenges with grace and ease.
my yogic journey
Yoga found me at a time when I was at my lowest, depleting my emotional and physical energy to near exhaustion. Feeling constantly in survival mode, I was so out of touch with my body and my spirit. The first class I ever attended was a Yin Yoga practice with a coworker, where I learned yoga’s calming effects first-hand.
Eventually, I found a “shala,” or home, in Holistic Yoga School in Fort Collins, which has since shut its doors as a yoga studio and operates primarily as a yoga school for aspiring teachers and those looking to deepen their practice. Immediately, I was welcomed and made to feel at home in its sacred space. Here, I learned all forms of yogic practice, from vinyasa, to hatha, to yin, and more.
Eventually, our shala moved onto its new path, and I joined the Be Free Healing Center in its place, a brand-new studio that opened in 2019, just before the pandemic. When the pandemic hit, I found myself needing a sacred space more than ever, and was so grateful for the opportunity to attend outdoors, socially-distanced classes or virtual classes here. Eventually the world turned back to normal, and I still call this beautiful space home for my yogic journey.
Over the years, I’ve turned to yoga in my lowest times and at my highest peaks. It has served as a way to channel my negative emotions through my body and give them back to the earth. In conjunction with therapy, it has gotten me incredibly far on my path to healing. I am so grateful to every lovely soul I have had the chance to meet on this journey, who has taught me something new about my practice, and by extension, myself.
Especially for those with trauma, yoga is a way to reconnect the mind, body, and soul. Before I found yoga, I had no meaningful spiritual practice. Now, through my practice, I feel more connected with my own spirit and my community. Whether I practice at home, at Be Free, or elsewhere, yoga always aligns my consciousness from whatever distraction it’s been seeking lately and brings me right back into the present moment, where I can be calm.
Yoga has truly been one of the most transformative experiences in my life. Through practicing yoga, I have found a sense of clarity, focus, and inner peace that has permeated into all areas of my life.
Yoga has also offered me an opportunity to connect more deeply with my body. As I breathe and move through various postures, I become more attuned to the sensations in my body. I have developed a greater sense of strength, flexibility, and balance, both physically and mentally.
If you’re on the fence, one of the great things about yoga is that it can be practiced by people of all ages and fitness levels. There are many different types of yoga, so you can choose the style that best fits your needs and goals. Whether you’re looking for a challenging workout or a more gentle practice, there is a type of yoga for you. Not only is it accessible for a wide range of physical fitness and ability – you can also do yoga any time, anywhere. All you need is a mat.
Another reason to try yoga is that it can be a great way to connect with others. Yoga classes provide the opportunity to meet new people and build a sense of community. Plus, practicing yoga with others can be motivating and help you stay committed to your practice.
Yoga freed me from the prison of my mind and the weight of my worries. I am more connected with my body, mind, and spirit since beginning my yoga practice.
I hope the journey is as peaceful and transformative for you as it has been for me.
Namaste.
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