The Power of the Mind
Hi Friends,
I feel like too often, the mind is not considered with equal weight as the body when it comes to chronic pain. We just default to the ol’ ‘gotta see it to believe it’ adage. As someone who lives with a form of pain that does have a visible, measurable physical source, I make sure to never discount my mind’s ability to contribute – for better or worse.
At the start of many of my classes, during centering & grounding, I will encourage you to feel a sense of accomplishment for even being there – acknowledging that showing up is always the hardest part. Your mind made the decision & however big or small the reason, it propelled your body to your mat.
I will often add that even if you stay in the same comfortable shape, in stillness for the entire class, you will still be practicing yoga & you will still get all of the benefits. Giving your mind some space, dedicated time to feel & process, or to simply focus on the breath, is just as valuable as any physical shape.
So when your mind feels too full, heavy, confused or tired, do not discount it. Lay down on your mat & remember, “I regret going to yoga” -said no one ever.