Yoga can be insufferable at times.
However, like anything in life, if we do not endure some suffering, how can we understand what it feels like to be free of pain, be that emotional, physical or spiritual? The world is full of contrasts and opposites for this exact reason. The experience of suffering creates an understanding and appreciation for freedom from suffering.
What exactly is freedom?
It’s a big broad word to swallow so let’s identify it more closely, because freedom is actually what we are really all looking in life at a deeper level. You might label it happiness, love, confidence, but really what you are saying is – I want to be free of fear, fear of the unknown.
Dictionary.com describes freedom in the following terms:
- The state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint.
- Exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc.
- The power to determine action without restraint.
- The absence of or release from ties, obligations, etc.
For me, yoga is freedom.
Anthony Robbins explains,
“The quality of your life is directly proportionate to the level of uncertainty you can comfortably live with”.
I completely agree.
Uncertainty translates to: not being in control, not having to know and most of all, letting go. It is no coincidence that certainty is the exact opposite of freedom. Freedom cannot exist if you are constantly trying to find certainty or control in your life.
Acceptance of that fact that nothing is certain, except that everything is uncertain is freedom.
Yoga requires you to explore the unknown and to appreciate uncertainty. It requires you to let go of control. Yoga requires you to be okay with being a little bit uncomfortable and at times, very uncomfortable. You have to trust yourself, big time and believe that whatever happens in each posture and each moment, is exactly how it is meant to be. It constantly forces you to relax and let go in the most uncomfortable positions both in your thoughts and physical self through connection to your breath.
So many people have a desire to “know” and to be in control. Consciousness and control cannot co-exist.
The universe is always delivery us what we need in each moment to evolve our consciousness. When you practice yoga, you are taking responsibility for this conscious evolution yourself, it is the practice of consciousness.
It teaches you to accept uncertainty in every moment. It unravels the deep habits of reacting to situations. It helps you to stop living in fear and it creates space for peace, stillness and love in your thoughts. Yoga sets you free.
Have you ever suffered from anxiety?
Then yoga should be your new best friend.
Guess what. Stress and anxiety is simply just fear around uncertainty. Yep, so your need to control is fuelling your anxiety and stress. The more you try to control life the more fuel you are throwing on the fire.
When you do not fear the unknown, stress and anxiety cannot exist, it is impossible.
Any practice that connects your body and breathe will teach your body and your mind the truth about life and that is that nothing is certain and nothing can be controlled. It will teach you to let go. This is yoga.
Try this next time the thought or feeling of stress and anxiety pops into your day.
Close your eyes and breath only through your nose and take you entire attention to that breath going in and out of your body. When the mind wanders, just bring it back without judgment or frustration, it takes practice and persistence. When you connect to what is real, and that is your breath and that moment, your entire body will relax, the incessant stream of negativity will fade and your body will let go.
These words were kindly shared with us by the gorgeous Amber Hawken aka Bloom Wellness. You can also read a little more about Amber here, when we featured her as one of our girl crushes.
