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| ―LEON BROWN |
The Practicality of Yoga: Mind-Body Awareness
Mindfulness is the state of consciously being; acting with care and thought, allowing that which occupies the mind to flow through. It is being present and nurturing; accepting yourself as you are while acknowledging that which harms you or is unpleasant in any way. To be mindful is to be intentional and loving. You must listen to yourself and the needs and cries of your mind and body. It requires patience and attention, with the wisdom and knowledge of how to care for yourself.
The art of mindful being is a central idea in yoga. Each pose or exercise is done with mindfulness at its core. In Restorative yoga, props are used with the specific intent of achieving physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. Particular poses are used to release the build-up of stress in the mind and body; a true act of love. During Surya Namaskara, flow and awareness of the breath are very important. Inhaling lengthens the body while exhaling compresses. Everything is done intentionally; with purpose and meaning.
As an individual learns this truth in the practice of yoga, they also discover the power of mindfulness in every-day life. Transferring the act of conscious thinking from the mat and implementing it into our lives, opens a door to endless opportunities for success. Imagine if every person acted deliberately and made each choice with an identified, distinct purpose. Imagine having a sound mind; being aware of your actions and their natural consequences. The world would transform into a more thoughtful and efficient place. The art of mindfulness, as deep and abstract as it may be, is ultimately about control. This cognizant behavior fosters power and can be a tool for all of humanity in every aspect of life.
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| "Pursuit of Mindfulness" |
