Yoga means unity. It’s about integrating mind and body rather than viewing them as a dichotomy (which has been the traditional Western model). When we’re able to connect the two our self-awareness increases and makes us more conscious. Greater consciousness leads to greater feelings of peace as well as empowerment. This connection to our self also assists in looking inward for answers, and to our own intuition.

For example many do not realize they can influence their own breath to improve mood and stress levels. We can breathe in a manner that triggers our parasympathetic nervous system to calm us or the sympathetic nervous system to invigorate us. A typical Vinyasa style yoga class pairs breath with movement.  This creates a moving meditation, a way to focus on the steadiness of the breath and find stillness from our chattering mind, among many other physical benefits.

Yoga is personal and confrontational.  Those who dedicate themselves to the practice find it transformative. For some yoga is about the physical release of bodily tension. For others it’s an opportunity to gain stillness in a hectic world. Yet others find it’s about facing their fears. Or perhaps it’s about a sense of community and connection. Many find it to be all of the above. The beauty lies in the fact that there are an infinite number of yoga styles and yoga teachers and this means it’s for every body.

As a psychologist I emphasize how the physical practice is a gateway to apply the philosophy – one of reflection, forgiveness, letting go, non-reactivity, self-compassion, service, surrender…

The best way to “convince” someone on the merits of yoga (or therapy, for that matter) is to lead them to a class. Let the practice itself do the convincing, as it’s something best felt rather than explained in words. This relates to the Hindu idea of “neti neti” (not this, not that), meaning we can never really define it in words. The student must transcend words to understand the nature of the craft.