Yoga allows for so much freedom and creativity, as we work towards reestablishing the innate connection between our minds and our physical bodies. The two are inextricably linked throughout the entirety of our lives, but we often find it helpful to forget that and tell ourselves the relationship is not as meaningful as—deep down—we know it is. Yoga brings us back to the reality of our interconnectedness in organic and tangible ways.
From harnessing the energy of the animal kingdom as we assume vulpine shapes in our asana practice, to realizing that even when we are off the mat, if we have cultivated a calm state of mind, those around us respond likewise in a measured way—the proof begins to reveal itself.
Techniques like meditation and pranayama can be called on at any time. Like any valuable ability, though, they require practice and will yield the most powerful results the more time one invests in cultivating and refining their preferred methods. Encouragingly, we are learning more about how even a small time investment can offer meaningful benefits. The notion that one must go on retreat in the forest and spend days or weeks in silent meditation to see results is, understandably, a deterrent to many who may otherwise be curious about developing a mindfulness practice. This need not be the case. By simply setting aside 10 to 15 minutes a day, one can make tremendous strides in regaining control of their mental landscape.
Once the foundation for a calm mind has been established, one can return to it and continue building at any time. Offering the skills needed to de-escalate, one capable of summoning a more relaxed state is less likely to make a pointed insult or cutting remark, exacerbating tensions and ultimately generating more conflict and stress.
In unlocking the power of calm, we also learn to stop seeking the addictive sensation of intense emotional experiences. That is not to say that mindfulness prevents us from feeling deeply or experiencing the world with full awareness—but rather that it teaches us the most beautiful and powerful sensations arise from within. When we have a rich inner environment to return to, life is never boring. As such, we are freed from the endless cycle of seeking pleasure and stimulation from external sources.
In essence, it allows us to subvert the mundane and find beauty and wonder all around us. When we live this way, we become immune to the tendency toward exaggeration and extremes. Although moderation sometimes gets short shrift because it does not fit the easy narratives of success or failure, delight or misery, we come to see its true value.
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