Yoga and Psychology
We all strive to be happy. This is our natural state. Life isn’t about finding oneself – it is about creating the life you desire.
I have been a Psychologist for over 20 years, and in that time I have experienced my own personal journey of exploring what heals the human spirit, in mind, body and soul.
This is relevant when traditional methods such as talking based therapies don’t always result in the positive change we would hope for.
As humans we are complex beings and genetically designed to be self healing. The DNA of every cell in every organ, and in every system within our body is in continuous interaction. We have neurons within our brain that continue to create pathways and connections, which can forge pathways that trigger and perpetuate our emotional pain, such as through negative or self defeating thinking patterns; or conversely can create healing and contentment.
Our brains have the capacity to foster healing within themselves and create new ways of perceiving life, which in turn flows on to our emotional life and our physical wellbeing.
Our other ‘brain’ lies in our gastrointestinal system (or our stomachs!!) – this is why often we feel nauseated, or suffer from stomach upsets when we feel stressed, anxious or depressed. The common saying ‘listen to our gut instinct’ has truth to it, however we often ignore our bodies communication to ourselves which can result in greater stress on our system.
Neuroplasticity is a term to describe the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout our lifespan. This allows the neurons (our nerve cells) in the brain to compensate for injury and disease and to adjust to new activities and learning experiences to respond to new situations or environment changes. For example; if we have a new experience in meeting people that is a fun and enjoyable experience we ‘wire’ this connection in our brain which creates a positive connection. Hence we are more likely to repeat this activity which will in turn benefit from increased social connection that can enhance our overall wellbeing.
As the type of person driven to be on the go, in my 20’s, I found myself in a perpetual state of motion and unable to sit still for any reasonable length of time. I was easily frustrated, impatient and often irritable and thus prone to depression or anxiety at times. I grew through my studies and life experiences, and when I first tried practices such as relaxation, meditation or yoga, I was unable to sit through even half a class as it would often trigger the very feelings I had kept myself on the go to avoid.
I would become impatient and have many thoughts justifying why I was just too busy to commit to a whole session (even thought I had been quite happy to push myself through a cardio class!).
I had work to do, places to be, people to see!!!
I would still commit to a class however, and it became a bit of a running joke with my yoga teacher as I would leave just before meditation in the evening class (this was progress as I was able to do the class for an hour by this stage of 2 years of practice) because I had meetings or commitments that I had scheduled directly at the time that meditation would be practiced.....sounds like avoidance!
The journey continued, and I found myself becoming more attuned to my needs, more settled in quiet times, and reflective in meditation.
Yoga was developed in India 2500 years ago, and is a system of healing. It is not just about the postures, but incorporates a total health science including the physical (through the postures or asanas, diet and breathwork), and what we refer to as the metaphysical (emotional, mental and spiritual) through meditation; self awareness and choosing one’s thoughts through positive thinking, breath and the mastery of the mind.
I undertook my yoga teacher training journey inspired by my friend and yoga teacher, and have found this journey to be immeasurably therapeutic. The evidence and science has also been there to back it up in recent years, particularly in the treatment of trauma and anxiety disorders. This is where the intention is to combine the science of psychology and the science of yoga as a system to support healing mental health issues, with the most common being depression, and anxiety.
There are four key points that I will often refer to during time on the mat, which I think facilitates the healing through grounding ourselves:
1. Breathwork is key - Breathwork, also referred to in yoga as ‘pranayama’ can detoxify our blood, reduce tension and blood pressure and cleanse our mind and body. Where possible we will connect to our breath and exhale as we move into postures and inhale as we move out of the postures. If you ever feel disconnected, bring your mind and attention back to the breath.
2. Drishti point – this means finding a point that is fixed or unmoving to focus on which can assist us to maintain balance and focus in some of the positions. We can use this in everyday life as a practice when we need to bring ourselves back to the moment.
3. Hands and feet as our base and foundation - and act as our connections to the ground or earth we are grounded on. I will emphasise the position of our hands to be with palms connecting to the ground and our fingers spread out to support our balance. Imagine oneself as an extension of the earth beneath and reaching to the sky above, as we move through our practice. Our feet will also support our bodies to be upright, as we stand with both feet hip width apart, the balls and heels of our feet balanced with toes spread out, also like root systems grounding us into the earth. Active feet mean that we make a conscious choice and will be less likely to ‘zone out’. When we have fear we tend to find tension in the neck, chest and jaw area and keeping our feet active means that we move the energy down through our body and distributing our weight load and emotional load. It will also flow on to how we ‘walk through life’ with greater awareness, ease and peace.
4. Alignment is also important - Do no harm, or the principle of ‘ahimsa’ is key – never push yourself in any position that is painful. All postures can be modified and our own space is not to be compared to anyone else. It can be easy to look at others and compare ourselves, but yoga can also teach us to connect to our own self, and find our own limits and boundaries.
With practice, over time we will be able to move further with gentleness and compassion to greater depths which will also process our emotions through our breath, our body and cleanse our mind.
The power of yoga and psychology is to support rewiring neural networks in the brain that may not be receiving enough dopamine and serotonin and activating the movement of energy through the physical body to release blocks (mental and physical) and promote recovery.
Yoga is beneficial for our circulation and blood flow, which improves our blood pressure, and our vascular system. Breathwork can revitalize our nervous and endocrine systems, and incorporating certain postures can enhance our energy, and sleep quality which will have a flow on effect for our ability to be more optimistic and more connected to our-self and others.
We often hold yogic events, and workshops here at Evolve Wellbeing.
Our next one is coming up in just two days, if you’ve missed it not to worry more will be coming!
Follow this link to see what we have coming up: https://www.evolvewellbeing.com.au/workshopsandwellness
Warmest Regards