MINDFULNESS: Connecting the mind, body and the heart

Published 8:18 am Wednesday, December 18, 2024

As the final days of the year unfold before us, the mad dash to make everything happen is upon

us and in conversation with one of my clients a couple weeks ago, I was reminded of one of the

biggest life lessons I have taken from the mat.

Yoga, you see, is all about connection, specifically the connection between the body, the mind and the heart. Through this connection we are able to tune in to what is truly happening inside and what we need.

Often what we need is to release that which no longer serves us — old emotions, memories, patterns of thoughts and behaviors, etc. As we move through a practice, sometimes the body/mind/heart connection is alive and strong. Other times it remains barely tethered together as though by a frayed cord. Sometimes it feels as though there is no connection whatsoever and our body is operating completely separately — our minds and hearts are unaware of one another. Such is the ebb and flow of yoga practice and also life.

There are many tools we use to strengthen the bond between our corporeal and ethereal selves before entering into a physical practice on the mat, such as centering and pranayama (breathwork). Once we have set the stage for a strong union among the elements of ourselves, we can begin the physical practice, continuing to use

these tools to maintain this connection through the practice.

During practice, we will move through a variety of postures, poses, some of which will be less physically challenging and others more so. The physical challenge of posture is often less driven by strength and flexibility and rather, more directly related to the practitioner’s ability to maintain mental and emotional focus as well as physical coordination.

Single leg balances (poses where we balance on one foot/leg) tend to offer the most challenge in this capacity. Tree pose serves as an excellent example. One foot is firmly planted on the ground, taking several moments to allow the foot to become fully grounded. Then, the other leg is turned out and the foot is brought to the ankle, calf or thigh. To stand strong in the pose, all elements of the entire being must work together: the mind and heart must remain clear and focused while the body engages the pose. Even though all other elements of the body are taught and lifting, our inclination is to engage the base foot in the same fashion, with toes curled up and grabbing at the mat for dear life. However, the foot needs to be relaxed and rooted, driving down, releasing

the toes and allowing all surface area of the foot to connect with the mat beneath.

This time of year initiates much stress and sometimes outright panic in many of us as there is so much to do and so little time left to do it. Keeping all of the responsibilities and desires manageable requires that the body, the mind, and the heart all work in concert. Just like in tree pose, we must keep our body, mind and heart focused and clear, holding space for that which matters most and allowing ourselves to relax into the steps or elements that bring us the greatest challenge, trusting that we have what we need to not just survive this season, but

thrive, for this time, like all the other challenges you have made it through so far, will pass, too.

Sending you love and light, peace and joy in this holiday season.

I am so grateful for your interest in my column over the last 12 months. I would love to know your thoughts on my column including topic ideas or request.

You can contact me at Liz@SoulRebellionYoga.com.

—Liz Havey holds 500 hour certified yoga instructor and Ayurvedic nutritional consultant certificates and teaches privately. You can learn more about her background and available services at SoulRebellionYoga.com.