Benefits of Yoga & Mindfulness
The fields of yoga and psychotherapy meet in the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness is both an innate human capability and a conscious practice. Simply defined, mindfulness is moment to moment awareness of present experience within a context of kindness, non-judgment, and acceptance. We can bring this kind of awareness to any experience: yoga postures, the movement of the breath in the body, our grief for what we have lost, our anger toward a loved one, our joy at being in love, the depression or mental illness we struggle with, the food we eat, how we think, the list goes on. When we bring this kind, open awareness to our life experiences – even intense, difficult experiences – we can begin to learn more about our own thought processes, motivations, histories, and potentials. With this knowledge we can make choices that change our lives for the better.
In research studies mindfulness based practices have been shown to:
• Alleviate stress & tension
• Relieve symptoms of anxiety & depression
• Reduce symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, & aggression
• Lower blood pressure
• Aid in reducing pain & increase the ability to live easefully with chronic pain
• Promote restful sleep
Mindfulness has also been associated with
• Heightened capacity for concentration & awareness
• Increased vigor & vitality
• Emotional stability
• Enhanced interpersonal interaction & greater relationship satisfaction
• Subjective experience of increased calm and control in the midst of uncertainty
• Greater sense of connectedness & spirituality
• Increased capacity for non-judgment & acceptance
The physical aspect of yoga – postures & breathwork - can be helpful for
• Relieving chronic tension & learning how to cope with stress
• Cultivating energy in the body and mind, mitigating low energy & fatigue
• Calming restlessness and anxiety in the nervous system
• Developing physical strength, stamina, and ease
• Fostering increased tolerance for discomfort, both physical and mental
• Learning relaxation & self-soothing techniques
• Diminishing or completely eliminating chronic physical pain and discomfort