Yoga and the Power of Positivity
A healthier you begins in the mind
Yoga is a holistic form of exercise; it challenges the body, mind, and spirit. The psychological aspects of your practice can be a complex adventure, but the simplest mental principle to remember is that your thoughts create some of the most powerful energy in your body. We have all heard of someone becoming “sick from worry” or of “glowing” with happiness; your mental state and mood can literally alter your physical state and health. In yoga, the act of deliberate positive thought helps you explore your body's potential for health, beauty, and serenity.
Forget “I can’t” and Embrace “I can”
It is the most obvious and sometimes the hardest lesson to remember: the moment you tell yourself that you are not capable of something, you cut yourself off from the possibility of achieving it. Every action begins in the mind. Visualization is the first step in creation.
Whether it’s touching your toes or lying in savasana for five minutes, the attempt must start with the positive affirmation that “I can…” And if your goal is not met by a first, second, or tenth attempt, it is simply a matter of “I can’t yet…"
Talk to Yourself
Without even being fully aware of it, most of us talk to ourselves throughout the day, often in a harsh and critical manner. If we make a mistake, forget something important, or fail at a task, we might tell ourselves that we are “stupid” or “worthless.” Many of us look in the mirror and fail to see our own beauty and instead tell ourselves we look “fat,” “old,” or “tired.”
It is a difficult habit to change, but turning negative self talk into positive reinforcement can begin on the yoga mat. For example, in the moments at the beginning of your practice when you are centering your attention on the breath, create a self affirming mantra to carry throughout your practice and your day. Practice a simple mantra such as, “I am beautiful, I am bountiful, I am blissful.” Positive thinking changes your attitude and outward appearance; happiness is visible in your expression, in the way you walk, and even talk.
Love Yourself
Ahimsa, or non-violence, one of the yamas (principles of abstinence) in yoga, must first be applied to the way we treat ourselves. Often, we berate ourselves for failure, laziness, and imperfection. Rather than holding yourself accountable for what you perceive as shortcomings, understand that perhaps on any given day, what you really need is rest or that in reality, the things for which you put so much pressure on yourself really don’t matter that much anyway. Remember that the best you can do is always more than good enough.
Be Proud
Setting goals for yourself is a great motivator. But say you don’t reach them in the time you allotted for yourself? Rather than throwing your hands up in despair, be aware of your progress. Congratulate yourself for every step you make closer to your goal.
Don’t Create a Present Based on Past Experiences
Trying new things can be scary and daunting, but just because you haven’t done something before doesn’t mean you aren’t capable of it. Taking a risk is necessary to accomplish anything. Live in the present and enjoy where you are now. Look forward to where you are going, in your practice and your life.
