Our mind is constantly torn by intrusive thoughts tied to our past experiences and memories, along with doubts, questions, and worries stirred by the uncertainty of the future.
Imagine for a moment that you are on a long journey through the countryside, and halfway there, your car breaks down. Instead of enjoying the beauty of the surrounding nature, your mind becomes burdened by the problem at hand.
How does the mind work? What does yoga do?
We are not always aware of it, but we often fall into the same state when the mind begins to wander between events that have irreversibly passed and the countless possible scenarios of the future. This way, almost unnoticed, the present moment slips away from us, and we lose awareness of the beauty around us. We become completely incapable of enjoying the little things — the freshness of the morning air, the gentle touch of water, the chirping of birds nestled in the green bushes, the melting hues of a setting sun...
Thanks to yoga practices, our mind can maintain a state of deep calm and harmony, leaving us with a sense of lightness, joy, happiness, and contentment.
Relax with yoga poses
It’s a good idea to start the day with some stretches and yoga poses (asanas) that will help make your body feel lighter and more flexible. At first, practicing yoga may seem tiring or difficult. Our body is often stiff, unstable, and not very flexible. Moreover, we might notice that certain areas of the body are more difficult than others. This is simply the body's way of signaling that it needs attention, say the yoga teachers of Art of Living. In such cases, we can try to direct our awareness to the area of discomfort and take a few deep ujjayi breaths.
Close your eyes. Inhale deeply through the nose and exhale slowly through the mouth, creating a sound like ocean waves. Try to keep the sound strong enough for only you to hear it, but not the person next to you.
Calm the mind with breathing techniques
If you repeat the physical poses while practicing some breathing techniques (pranayama) like Kapalabhati, Bhastrika, or Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, you’ll be surprised to feel the difference! Did you notice fewer thoughts crossing your mind when you closed your eyes? Observe how you gradually become more focused, balanced, and productive.
Surrender to meditation
Once the body becomes stable and the mind is clear of thoughts, the right moment comes to gently transition into the meditation part — because even meditation should not be done with force, strain, or pressure. It is important not only how we go through it, but also how we feel afterward. With the help of meditative practices, our consciousness becomes more peaceful and balanced.
By combining physical poses (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation, yoga transforms our restless and anxious mind into a blissful lake of serenity, allowing us once again to fully enjoy and savor the present moment.
