Yoga and Mindfulness for Mental Health: A Healing Journey

Mental health is a crucial topic, often distorted for publicity and social media clout. But what does mental health truly mean? It encompasses how we feel in our minds - whether we are overwhelmed, overthinking, or striving to achieve an ideal state that can still lead to struggles.

In the 21st century, it’s alarming to see rising mental health issues affecting individuals from as young as five to those over seventy. Many of these challenges stem from a relentless pursuit of wealth, fame, and societal validation, heavily influenced by the curated perfection of social media. This trend shows no signs of slowing down.

Despite this stark reality, many people hesitate to take action. While professional platforms like LinkedIn promote setting boundaries and slowing down, superficial advice prevails. Many showcase meditative poses or breathwork without truly understanding the essence of yoga and mindfulness (MINDFUL EATING: THE PATH TO BETTER HEALTH). In this world, authenticity often takes a backseat to appearances.

Now, let’s explore the beauty of yoga and mindfulness as they relate to breath, body, mind, and soul. These four components are intricately connected, each influencing the others. For some, mental struggle manifests as difficulty in breathing correctly - perhaps they lack the technique or breathe merely for the sake of breathing. For others, the struggle may begin within the body, where physical limitations hinder movement or technique. Then, there are those who grapple with mental challenges, as previously discussed.

 

And what about the soul? The soul harbors our deepest emotions and feelings, often hidden from view. We may mask these emotions out of shyness, fear of judgment, or simply not knowing how to confront them. This internal conflict can bottle up, ultimately exerting a powerful impact on our breath, body, and mind.

 

Did you know that yoga and mindfulness share a common foundation? Mindfulness, when viewed through the lens of yoga, is essentially about awareness. This awareness must begin within ourselves: Who are we? What is happening inside us? What do our personality, attitude, character, and behavior reveal? Although we often conceal these aspects, our actions and words may expose them without our realization. Only by understanding ourselves can we initiate meaningful changes. 

These changes are essential for our personal growth, especially since we cannot escape the need to interact with others. Even within our closest relationships, such as with family members, cultivating awareness of the changes we need to make can foster deeper connections and enhance our relationships.

How can this transformation occur through yoga? It begins with the practice of awareness. In those silent moments, as we engage in soft breathwork, we learn to observe our thoughts, emotions, and feelings. This process isn’t instantaneous; however, with time, we gradually come to understand ourselves better. 

Meditation, in its simplest form, is another avenue for cultivating awareness of our internal experiences. By quieting the mind and focusing on our breath, body, mind, and soul, we create a serene space within. The gentle rhythm of inhaling and exhaling places our minds in a calm state, making awareness more accessible, away from the hustle and bustle of life.

 

To delve deeper into breathwork techniques that promote mind calmness and inner peace, check out my video on Pranayama: Breathwork Techniques for Mind Calmness and Inner Peace.

I often remind my clients that when we quiet the mind, we bring ourselves into the present moment. While this can be quite challenging, I encourage them to focus on their breath if they find quieting the mind difficult, allowing their thoughts to wander without judgment.

 

Quieting the mind may seem straightforward, but it can be quite a task. Even just a minute of silence embodies the beauty of yoga and mindfulness combined, allowing us to slow down and cultivate positive thoughts without pressuring the mind. I emphasize to my clients the importance of not imposing pressure on themselves, as a pressured mind becomes clouded. It’s perfectly acceptable for negative thoughts, emotions, and feelings to surface; as we continue to breathe in and out, our breath can gradually transform these negative elements, guided toward positive energy with my support.

 

For further insights on bringing the mind to the current moment in time, watch my video on Mind Awakening: Bringing the Mind to the Current Moment in Time.

This is one dimension of the relationship between yoga and mindfulness. In the next discussion, we will explore how yoga asanas can help us destress, ultimately providing the much-needed positive vibes for mental health.