Yoga
What is Yoga?
The word yoga means to yolk or join. Yoga helps facilitate a direct connection between the mind and the body.
The practice of mindful movement increases awareness of physical sensations and brings attention to the present moment, where the mind tends to live in the past or the future.
Becoming grounded in the physical body gives us a place from which to step back and evaluate our thoughts more objectively.
It brings focus to the physical sensations connected to our emotions and gives us a new lens through which to perceive those emotions.
Rather than focusing on the racing mind, attending to the physical aspects of anxiety and panic give us additional tools to use to decrease distress during those times. Mindful movement also provides benefits to individuals going through medical treatment as it helps to decrease the sense of powerlessness that can accompany the course of treatment.
Maintaining awareness of the breath and heartbeat reminds us that sensations in the body are always changing.
Recognition of the impermanence of physical sensation can improve our ability to tolerate discomfort and provide a greater sense of control over our emotions.
