When we are looking at self-care practices, we need to address all layers of self: our physical bodies, energetic bodies, psycho-emotional bodies, wisdom-intellect bodies and bliss bodies (also known as the koshas within Yoga). All of the things we do for Yoga allow us to connect and create shifts within these layers, or koshas to allow us to feel our best, now and in the future.
The physical body is often the easiest for us to manage as it involves our physical health, exercise (asana/poses in Yoga) and what we eat. The energy body is quickly gaining more attention with an increased focus on sleep cycles and recovery in an effort to maximize performance. Within Yoga, we also add our pranayama/breath-work practices here as a means to improve our overall sense of well-being in addition to our cardiovascular health.
People flock to Yoga for healing and self-care. Why Yoga over any other form of exercise? Because Yoga brings us closer to our true Self. Yoga confronts our inner dialogue, changing our perception and way of thinking. Yoga asks us to move through our emotions, to process our trauma and to stand in our truth. We need practices for our psycho-emotional body too, because when we don’t process our emotions, they become trapped and toxic to our system. Walls go up that prevent us from fully experiencing life. Whether we are practicing asana, pranayama or meditation, Yoga helps us shift stagnate energy, release blocks and allows emotions to rise to the surface, so they can be processed and cleared.
Yoga teaches us to be fully present. To acknowledge all aspects of self, whether in light or darkness. This is not to say that all of us need an emotional purge, rather why so many look to Yoga as a source of healing during difficult times. When we take time for ourselves consistently, to practice Yoga, to be present, to be aware of how we feel, we start to experience more clarity of mind. Our thoughts feel more organized, we are less reactive, and more thoughtful in our response. This connects us to our wisdom-intellect body, and as all these layers of self-align we naturally connect to our bliss body, where everything feels right. Where we are most connected to ourselves and to all those around us.
It’s not just why we practice, but how we are practicing. A lot has been lost through the modern evolution of Yoga, where it is often experienced today as another exercise program. While certainly Yoga asana is a fantastic workout for strength and mobility – it is so much more! Start to think about Yoga as an addition to your exercise/recovery regime, not instead of it. If you are already doing a heavy weight workout along with pilates for your core, your Yoga should be about ease, mobility and developing your meditative mind, rather than something else you need to recover from. Think about adding Yin or Restorative styles of Yoga. Think about how you can practice some of what you are learning in class at home daily. This is where both Yoga and self-care become truly magical.
