Today, we explore 3 ways yoga encourages independence and ways to embody freedom in our body, mind, and spirit. One of the main purposes of yoga is to be in union with the moment and release what does not serve us. Let’s look at this in terms of goal setting and sustained behaviors. Ever had the experience of setting goals and then reverting right back to old patterns and behaviors? There’s accomplishment and then frustration when we become a slave to old habits. We’ve all had that feeling of defeat and a loss of balance. The plans fail, our intentions wither, and we become prisoners of patterns of thinking and behavior that leave us disconnected with the very change we just made to better our lives.
Becoming independent with yoga
Yoga encourages independence by inviting us to both commit to our practice and let go while in the practice. This is a way to practice Pratipaksha Bhavana, or cultivating opposites. In simple terms, cultivating opposites (acceptance and change, doubt and confidence, for example) invites us to explore our mindset in a new way. This happens with awareness of current thoughts feelings, and sensations while also bringing to awareness the opposite of that thought, feeling, or sensation. This is a part of mindful living. Interestingly, science is exploring this too. In a 2019 Stanford University study, they asked participants who had recently met various health and personal goals to think about their experience in one of two ways. Either they were told to do the traditional thing and simply pat themselves on the back for reaching their target or they were instructed to tweak their thinking and reconceive of their recent success as “completing a journey” or “reaching a destination.” Importantly, those who viewed the goal as completing a journey not only expressed stronger intentions to continue the goal-related behaviors, but actually did so. The opposite of patting yourself on the back (change for achievement as an end result) and a completed journey (change for the sake of growth and progress) is how yoga invites us to be and there is freedom in this.
3 Ways to Explore Independence with Yoga
The breath: Practice conscious breathing through inhale, hold (retain), exhale, and pause (suspend).
The body: Try a yoga mudra (Mudras are hand gestures used in yoga and meditation, which mean ‘mark’ or ‘seal’ in Sanskrit). Try Apan Mudra (pictured below) which balances the body, stokes the metabolism and helps stimulate digestion.
The spirit: Challenge yourself to sit quietly for 1 minute with the intention of capturing all the thoughts that travel through your mind. Note them and let them go.
Join us!
Explore a new way to experience your day with our Mindfulness Made Simple Challenge class. This class meets in studio for 4 weeks (August 5, 12, 19, 26) and includes personal guidance for your mindfulness journey with a free guide supporting balanced and centered living. If you put off starting a mindfulness routine, taking care of you, or making a change, please join us. Now’s the time to invest in yourself. This program is what you need to get started fast—and keep up the momentum long after the classes end. click here to register.
Learn Mindfulness, Yoga, and Meditation with me here. Together, we’ll begin, expand, or refine your journey.
Love, Light, Prayers, and Peace!
Alyson Phelan CYT-500, CMMT, TRCC
Certified Yoga Teacher 500 hour
Certified Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher
Trauma Responsive Care Certified
