As it’s International Yoga Day on 21 June, the topic of yoga is a good place to start. First, we had better get clear on what yoga is. Yoga means to quieten or cease the fluctuations of the busy mind. Michael Leunig once wrote, ‘… we have attempted to build a highway and in doing so have lost our footpath’.
Quietening the mind and focusing on the felt experience of here and now, is like coming home to the simple and simultaneously profound connection of the path our life weaves.
Calming the mind sounds easy, but it’s really hard to do. Check it out for yourself, now. Finish reading this sentence, then close your eyes, feel your breath moving in and out and see how long it takes for a thought to arise. I’m guessing that you are back reading this page in under five seconds. Don’t stress, that’s really normal. Thinking, in all its forms (opinions, decisions, judgments, contemplations, questions, assumptions etc.), is a fabulous tool. What the mind can come up with and the way it can imagine and create is super inspiring.
The thing is though, that our minds are so well trained in the art of thinking that, as a species, we are far less confident and competent in remaining present to the space between thoughts. Being present is synonymous with being aware, being mindful. Staying present and aware of each moment, without the commentary, is a very healing and energy saving practice. It might sound a bit weird or introspective, but actually the calmer the busy mind becomes, the more aware you are. Your nervous system is attending to what you are experiencing now, rather than continually rolling in the never-ending dramas that create stress in the nervous and hormonal systems.
The repeated patterns of worry, stress, self-doubt, anxiety, anger and so on do not support our physical or mental wellbeing. These types of emotions are normal and natural, but when they take up too much space within your precious life, they become detrimental.
Simple yoga practices like connecting with the breath and body sensations, without the harsh judgment, teach us to focus away from these unhelpful tendencies of mind. Having the courage to see these patterns is a great step on the path towards a state of yoga (calm, clear mind) and is a great tool for all.
Here are a few simple practices you can try, while the kettle boils:
- Sit or stand with feet hip-width apart, eyes closed (if comfortable to do so) and take 10 slow calm breaths in and out.
- After those 10 breaths, let go of the counting and become more conscious of your feet on the floor. Move your weight in very small increments until you feel your weight even in both feet (or sit bones if you are seated).
- Then become more curious about the sounds you can hear; maybe the kettle almost boiled, your breath, a bird song or a car passing by. The type of sound is irrelevant. Stay aware of your body and breath for just a minute or two, relax and smile.
Your ability to stay with the felt experience of the body and breath, is a simple and precious practice, one you have with you forever.
Kate Pell
