Yoga seems to offer the most practical tools for living. It uses the body to work on the mind in a unique way. In fact, many seek out yoga looking for emotional balance. To find this balance, we must acknowledge that we are multi-layered and multi-faceted individuals. There’s the physical body, mental/emotional body, energetic body, and wisdom/spiritual body. When all layers are harmonious, we can say that’s a state of optimal health. The word for this from yogic and ayurvedic tradition is called Svastha. It’s a state of being, a state of inner alignment where we can embody our unique purpose for being here. And it’s when we are in this purpose that we are happy, most fulfilled, and most free and most at peace. Have you ever felt that state of peace and been busy as ever? The two can and should co-exist. It means you were in your purpose and healthy.

Drawing from the wisdom of ancient sages and texts, yoga offers the core practices that we need in order to find balance. Yoga wants to get us back to our innate sense of love, joy, and wonder. It’s also true that yoga, combined with Ayurveda– the sister science to yoga– provides a highly effective, individualized approach to well-being. This creates an experience wherein actualizing balance is possible. Traditional practices include asana (postures), pranayama (breath practices), meditation (sustained concentration/devotion to the divine), bandha (energetic gathering places in the body), kriya (yoga of action/cleansing practices) and mudra (communication through gesture). The most immediate and accessible practices are breathing and moving. We use this in yoga classes from the beginning. It’s an integrative approach that addresses many layers of who we are. While stretching and strengthening, yoga postures (asana) aim to create a free flow of energy. Breath practice keeps us in the present moment while deeply affecting the internal systems of the body. And…the benefits of meditation spread far and wide. 

Know that a specific breath practice or yoga posture could turn our mood around in a hurry! This can work in the short term and over time. The tools and techniques of the sages are quite profound. If you’ve been plagued by negative emotions, consider shifting your practice or learning a new (ancient) technique from a qualified teacher. All of what we feel has an impact on our health, including specific biochemistry and emotional patterning. It’s important to cultivate balance and calmness as we proceed.

Namaste, 

Keely Totten, Yoga & Meditation Teacher