This may sound like the ravings of a yoga junkie, but I have found that yoga has transcended the mat.  I did not plan for that to happen.  I’ve always thought it was cool, but never really thought much of it besides its obvious physical benefits.  I’ve found, however, the lessons I’ve learned in class are often easily applied to life.  Here are some examples:

• Relax where you can –   when holding a pose there are some muscles that must be engaged, but others (like shoulders or jaw) should be relaxed.  Clearly this is a lesson for daily life.
• It helps to breathe –   yoga is breath-dependent, which of course life is as well.  It is common to unknowingly hold your breath during more difficult poses.  Breathing through difficult moments in life is very beneficial.
• It helps to smile –   people can have very serious or even strained expressions during their practice.  It is amazing how much more enjoyable it is when you smile–it changes your attitude.  When things are not going your way in life, it is often a good practice to smile anyways.  This may allow you to shift your inner dialogue.

Now you are beginning to see how easily lessons learned in yoga can translate to real life.  Beyond the pearls of wisdom coming from the instructor, you may also start to notice some discoveries of your own.  At some point you realize that relaxing in a stretching pose (rather than resisting it) actually almost feels good.  Or how about when you feel like you are about to collapse because your muscles are burning?  Somehow you are able to find a tiny bit more strength to hold it until the instructor tells you to release.

If you are lucky enough to have a good yoga instructor (I prefer Baron Baptiste certified instructors), you will learn things in class that go much deeper than the body.  However, if your mind is not open enough to receive the lessons, it wouldn’t matter if Gandhi himself was teaching you.  Yoga is one of the many paths to a changed mind.  I’ve found that as I have been more open to the lessons I learn in class, I’m more open to lessons from other parts of life as well.  It  absolutely can benefit anyone suffering with anxiety, depression, or just general burnout.  One last pearl:

• This is your yoga practice –  this is your life, modify it so that you get whatever you need from it.

Now go out there and get bendy!

1. KonstantinMiller Says:
   July 6th, 2009 at 10:44 pm

   You know so many interesting infomation. You might be very wise. I like such people. Don’t top writing.

2. Sheryl Says:
   July 27th, 2009 at 1:29 pm

   Interesting. I would love to read something here about commitment to the practice of yoga…

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