I want to make yoga more achievable for those around me who aren’t grounded in a practice. So many people in my life immediately say, “Oh, I’m not flexible enough to do yoga.”
Naturally, I respond, “You don’t have to be flexible to do yoga,” but most people lose interest by the time I say that.
What Is Flexibility, Anyway?
Sure, we can look at flexibility as a physical thing. Being flexible is wonderful for your body, but can we think a little deeper? It’s about creating space.
Our mind-body connection is so powerful yet often overlooked. Notice how when you’re stressed, your whole body reacts? Or maybe you have certain mental triggers that cause specific things in your body to feel wrong?
We could talk for hours about the mind-body connection, and honestly, I still have so much more to learn. The bottom line is that our bodies hear everything our mind says and store emotions and traumas.
When we do yoga, aligning our mind, body, and breath, we’re able to quiet the mind and actually listen to what our bodies are trying to tell us. If it’s tight somewhere, gently lean into it. Don’t strain. Welcome the new sensations and allow that space to grow. Open up your body to new, higher vibrations.
Releasing physical tension goes hand in hand with releasing mental tension. Feel your body expand. Let go of what no longer serves you. You’ve allowed your mind and body to get crowded with pains and unhelpful thoughts. You also have the power to release those.
The 8 Limbs of Yoga in Everyday Life
Unfortunately, Western yoga doesn’t talk nearly as much about the 8 Limbs of Yoga as we should. I didn’t even learn about the 8 Limbs until my 200-hour yoga certification, and I’d been practicing for years before then.
I still have a lot more to learn about the limbs, but what I’ve realized is that they’re in everything that we do. When you hear yoga is a lifestyle, that goes way beyond rolling out a mat every day.
Something as simple as washing my face every day embodies Saucha—cleanliness. Working to create a more sustainable, non-toxic lifestyle is Ahimsa—non-harming. It’s things like these that remind us how yoga is a spiritual practice that fills all aspects of our lives.
Yoga Beyond the Mat
I’ve searched the internet enough times to know that lots of yoga blogs are super technical. They talk about poses or the basic definitions of yoga terms. How are people supposed to relate to content like that?!
You, my friend, regardless of how far you are in your yoga practice, can make more mindful choices in everything you do. Yoga isn’t all about handstands. It’s as simple as choosing to eat more leafy greens to fuel your body and buying reusable grocery bags.
Do your choices fill you with love and make you feel light? Well, darling, you’re on the right path.
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