Mercury is finally out of retrograde, and lo and behold, I feel like writing again. What a breath of fresh air today has been.
It’s been a while, friends. I hope you’re well.
Preface:
This pandemic has been a nightmare, to say the least. I don't even have to tell you. The protests too, and the overall fear, outrage, frustration, exhaustion - it's all been a lot. Too much, most (likely all) would say. I admit, though I've felt indignant and took the time to take care of myself (and take all necessary precautions to take care of/shield others - translation - wear a fucking mask) to educate myself on political matters, to truly understand the BLM movement and the force of systemic oppression of Black people that plagues this country and others, I am tired. And I feel ashamed to say that. Because I cannot ever be possibly as tired as my fellow Black Americans. I feel like hiding. I want to retreat into my cave and take cover. Wait until it all blows over. But, it won't. And I can't. It's the time to take action and to be uncomfortable. The greatest growth occurs in the state of discomfort. In discomfort is where you face yourself and learn. It is where the light enters you. So, the education, the awareness, and the fight rages on. I want to help and I want to be part of effective change for the better!
In the meantime, there's yoga to help balance and heal.
I will be dedicating another post to current affairs and actions to take, next week (yes, I am committing to publishing a new post a week. Pray for me). Today, I want to focus on yoga.
Those of us who practice yoga regularly can attest to the "magic" of it - as time goes on and you hone your practice and develop a personal relationship with yoga, you begin to notice astonishing changes in your physical, mental, emotional, and even your spiritual being. Your body becomes more limber (seriously, it feels like years come off), your focus is sharpened (even throughout the day), and you "re-meet" your Self in a way. You can learn more about yourself in an hour of practice than you might in a lifetime. But, what about the actual science behind yoga? ...Is there any science to it? Do any studies support the mind-blowing effects that we know yoga provides for us? The short answer: YES.
I wanted to create a post that was dedicated to highlighting some of the scientific studies that were published about yoga. I believe so strongly in science and the scientific method and finding an integrated approach, marrying Ayurveda/yoga with Western science. I believe that this will give Ayurveda and yoga a higher credibility in the Western world, which in turn will lead it to being more accessible to a wider group of people, and its useful techniques can be utilized by anyone wishing to heal themselves or even prevent disease.
Sometimes, I find it somewhat hard to reconcile the experiences I've had in Ayurveda and yoga with science. Though Western science is finally catching up to the practiced knowledge and benefits that these ancient disciplines have utilized for thousands of years, it becomes hard to explain the feelings of balance, contentment, or even euphoria that are received when dedicating yourself, to well, your Self really. I don’t mean this from a selfish point of view at all, but from a self-empowering, loving one. You cannot pour from an empty cup. So, in so many words, fill ‘er up!
So, it is well known that stress causes disease. At least, we’re coming to know (Ayurveda has taught this for centuries). When your body produces stress hormones at a high level, such as adrenaline and cortisol, it can lead to high blood pressure and in turn even damage blood vessels. According to Medical News Today, “research has shown that people who practice yoga regularly have low cortisol levels. Studies have also found that practicing yoga for at least three months may lower cortisol and perceived stress and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines that cause inflammation” (2). I mean, I can’t be the only one who is seriously impressed by that kind of quantitative information, right? It’s amazing that the practice of yoga can measurably lower stress. We can prove it with modern medicine!
Another article in Northwestern Medicine boasts additional impressive health benefits, both physical and mental. On the physical side, it cites that research shows yoga to be effective in keeping your spine healthy, as well as combating the pain associated with fibromyalgia, a very serious and painful condition. Pranayama (breathing exercises), one of the 8 Limbs of Yoga, can even improve symptoms of asthma. Not just that, yoga is very heart-friendly. Not only can it lower blood pressure, but a study proved that it can actually reduce age-related heart problems in individuals over 40 years of age (1).
The mental benefits are just as inspiring: "Yoga can also help with anxiety and depression. A study of 64 women with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) showed that practicing yoga once per week reduced symptoms. After practicing yoga for 10 weeks, 54% of study participants had no symptoms of PTSD at all" (1). The implications for this are astounding! If yogic techniques became the standard treatment for veterans or any sufferer of PTSD, it is safe to assume that the outcomes would be highly positive. This is a major issue for those who suffer and cannot get relief, as well as their families who support them. If we could implement yoga, an inexpensive and non-invasive technique that can truly be catered to any individual, imagine the amazing impact!
Yoga has been continuously unfolding for me, too. I'm about halfway through my 200-hour yoga teacher training, and I must say, that the continuing transformation I’m going through is immense. At 31, I didn’t think I would feel better physically than I did at 21. I couldn’t imagine being stronger than when I was a teenage athlete in high school. One of the required texts of my training is “The Heart of Yoga” by T.K.V. Desikachar. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in developing a personal practice (vs. someone who may only attend guided classes). The Heart of Yoga provides us with a comprehensive yet simple explanation on the practice of yoga and its positive effects on the human soul, mind, and body. In reading this book and learning of the wondrous life of T. Krishnamacharya, the father of modern yoga, and the actual father and teacher of the author, I was able to see the path of yoga in a much clearer light than before. In truth, I was able to see myself in a much clearer light than before. Through various metaphors, examples, and logical explanations, Desikachar presents the practice of yoga in a modest, though absolutely profound way.
These days, it is common for me to stop whatever I am doing and to do a few sun salutations whenever the mood hits me (even in public). I think of yoga constantly and I try to take my mat everywhere, even if I know I will not use it. Looking back, I do feel that if I had read this book prior to beginning a practice, I would have approached yoga much differently and perhaps would have been able to do so at a much earlier age, however, I am eternally grateful that I am able to absorb and understand this now. I feel confident that learning this sacred knowledge will allow me to pass it on and to become a good yoga teacher, one who has the ability to connect with others on the deepest levels.
I feel that it’s time for me to post some videos of myself doing yoga, at least some beginner ones! One of the main goals of this blog was to put myself out there, and if I’m being totally honest with myself, I haven’t done too much of that. Stay tuned for some asana action in the next couple of weeks (I have yoga teacher training again this weekend, so that is motivating me as well!). Namaste.
Works Cited:
1. Dewan, Sheri. “Science-Based Benefits of Yoga.” Northwestern Medicine, Northwestern University, 2020, www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/fitness/science-based-benefits-behind-yoga.
2. Nichols, Hannah. “The Research-Backed Benefits of Yoga.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 23 Sept. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326414#stress.
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