Yoga is more than simply stretching to feel more relaxed. There is a level of internal self-discipline that is created when we focus on moving specific parts of the body, while relaxing others. Yoga builds much more than a sound, sleek body. Yoga is a full body/brain balance as well.
The physical body is just one of the 10 bodies that the Yogis have mapped for millennia. From the most dense to the most subtle, all of these bodies are connected and inter-dependent. When one body is affected, the other ones work in their unique capacities to find solution, bring new balance, and remedy what is suffering.
Left to linger for too long however, the whole body system will eventually begin to suffer. Depression, illness, lethargy, lack of enthusiasm or other dis-eases of the body and spirit, too often cause people to reach for medications that cannot touch the source of the suffering – because it is not sourced in the physical body, even though it may be felt there.
Some injury to the physical body is readily understood. A broken bone or bruised skin is a physical issue with a physical solution. But a broken heart or spirit? A bruised mind? These occur without visible scars, but can linger in the energy field for a lifetime if left unaddressed. (For example, deeper aspects of childhood and spiritual trauma are beginning to be supported with energetic healing techniques beyond talk therapy and medications.)
The energetic body that runs within and throughout the entire physical body is actually an extension of the brain. The neural pathways that run through skin and muscles, send ripples of current throughout the entire system. This stimulates hormone secretions from the glands, elevates mood & emotions, boosts creativity and even amplifies the ability to learn and retain new information.
Postures, called Asana, are like the conductor of the physical orchestra, but there are powerful soloists in this company as well. By crossing the left side of the body to touch the right, pressing fingertips together in Mudra, or focusing the eyes in Dristi, these practices super-fire the brain’s hemispheres. This harmonic interplay creates a state of “Full Brain” coherence rather than Left Brain or Right Brain dominance. As a result, these techniques assist with memory, focus, concentration and deeper layers of well-being and imagination.
We have User’s Manuals for cars, blenders and electronics, but have forgotten that we also have one for the best operational functioning of the human body and psyche as well. Yoga has been the magic manual for millennia.
The best way to learn more about your body and yourself, is to take Yoga Teacher Training. Whether or not you ever intend to teach others, learning to teach yourself the deeper mysteries and insights that your body has to reveal, is a journey that will quite literally change your life, open your mind and illuminate your heart.
Join the upcoming Inner Power Yoga YA 200hr Teacher Training – held both in person & online. I will be sharing the mysteries of Mudra & Mantra, Meditation techniques, specific support for pregnancy, Restoration for healing and rejuvenation, plus the deeper insights into what the Chakras really are and how (and why!) they work.
Early bird discount ends soon, so RSVP today and I look forward to seeing you on the mat.
Sat Nam! 🙏🏽😊
