Is yoga changing you?

When I began practicing yoga, it was for two reasons:

1. I wanted to have a yoga body (long, lean, supple, uber-flexible)
2. I needed some stress relief as a full-time university student, working almost full-time

I have received so much from my practice over the years.  The changes that yoga makes in us are organic and natural – one day you might notice how much you’ve change and just marvel at your practice and yourself.  Or perhaps you will wake up and overhaul your life in what seems like the blink of an eye – much like I did.

To change your body, practice yoga three or four days per week, to change your life, practice  yoga every day.

There is a lot of practical magic at work when we get on the mat consistently.

• When we focus on, and deepen, the breath, it heals our bodies and calms our minds.

• The different asanas, or poses, keep our spine and our bodies healthy and, more important, bring our awareness into our bodies (which, in our fast-paced world, often get ignored).

• Meditation teaches us to step outside of our habitual stories and responses and makes us incredibly aware of our “monkey mind”.

• Working with the yamas and niyamas can completely transform the way that we live our lives, encouraging us to develop discipline not only on the mat, but off the mat.  And, though discipline may be a dirty word, I’ve found that discipline can be flexible, supportive and incredibly kind, ultimately leading to freedom.

The changes that can spring from yoga are as varied as the yoginis of the world.  Developing awareness of your body, your mind, and your emotions and then allowing that awareness to change your actions and behaviors is a radical act of self-love and, as you change, you change the world.

How is yoga changing you?  How would you like it to change you?

Have any questions about yoga or coaching? You can ask the everyday yogini (that’s me!) by emailing nona@insighthealthcoaching.com.

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