How can yoga help you solve problems & break bad habits?

The hardest part about making real changes in your life is getting your mind to work with you instead of against you.

Have you ever noticed that you tend to have the same negative thoughts over and over, even when you try to stop them? There’s a reason!

According to YogaJournal.com, “Yoga teaches that the more you have certain thoughts, or certain kinds of thoughts, the more likely you are to have them in the future. These are mental samskaras; like grooves in a muddy road, they tend to get deeper over time. Modern science is confirming the truth of this ancient yogic insight with new understanding of neuroplasticity. Scientists now understand that the more you think or do something, the stronger the neural pathways become that connect the specific brain cells (neurons) involved. Thus the more you beat yourself up emotionally, for example, the more likely you are to do it again and again.”

So… you’re not crazy! You’re human and your mind is working as it’s intended to. When you think positive thoughts, it’s great that they create “grooves” in the roads of our mind, to help make it easier to have those same thoughts later. It’s awful when you have negative thoughts, though! And the longer you’ve had those negative thoughts, the harder it will be for you to break free of the ruts.

Practicing yoga helps put you in a relaxed, open state of mind.

Yoga Wisdom says it’s “from this rested condition, a solution or decision will arise from within, like a bubble of oxygen that naturally rises up from the mud on the bottom of a lake. And your problem, which previously seemed so insurmountable, will either burst into insignificance like that very same bubble, or at least you can see a clear path toward the solution.”

As part of our upcoming Open Heart Women’s Retreat, every participant will be able to participate in a yoga class for free! This is to help all participants make the first steps towards finding their mind’s restful place, to help them achieve their goals in intentional living.

Yoga isn’t the only thing that can help you get to this state, though. Many people find it while walking, running, or any other activity that sets their mind free. I’ve often been able to solve my biggest problems when I mow the lawn!

The point is for you to find what works for you and use it to improve your mind and your life. If it’s yoga, great! If not, find your bliss wherever it may be :)