THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION

Yoga deepens our understanding of the links between our states of mind and our bodies, and vice versa.

The mind-body conection refers to how the brain and thoughts influence the body and its functions. It is well known that the health of the mind affects the health of the body. Mind-body medicine works with practices that can improve health, such as relaxation, meditation, yoga and/or hypnosis.
The science of yoga does not see mind and body as two different things. Yoga means "union" and it is a way to integrate the mind and body together.

The underlying principle of yoga IS the interrelationship between our body, mind & breath

The ancient yogic texts, such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, talk about the mind-body connection and refer to ways of improving the physical state through good mental health. According to these writings, a good mind-body connection leads to strength, clarity and acceptance. Positive qualities, such as happiness, calmness, openness, generousity and so on, relax the mind and that improves the state of the physical body.

Yoga practice deals not only with the physical body: its purpose is to work with the mind as well. Some yoga poses both stimulate and still the brain as well as activate and energize the vital organs. It is also known that practicing yoga influences the chemistry in the brain, leading to improved mental health.

Yoga also works with awareness. Being aware of the mind and body during the practice helps with the mind and body awareness in everyday life.

This week you’re invited to explore and observe this re-connection of mind and body during your practices.
Namaste
xo