The Body as a Teacher

Why Everyone's Chasing The Mind-Body High

Have you ever been in a yoga class and heard seemingly contradictory phrases like "you are not your body, you are not your mind" alongside "the body holds all memory and emotion"? There's profound truth in both statements, and understanding this paradox can transform how we view our relationship with our bodies.

The body is our primary vessel for experiencing life. It's through this incredible instrument that we feel, move, and interact with the world around us. This is why so many people become deeply connected to practices like yoga – it often provides their first genuine experience of what it means to be fully present in their body and feel truly alive.

The Magic of Yoga: More Than Just Movement

What makes yoga such a powerful practice, regardless of style, is its unique ability to unite breath, body, and awareness. When used mindfully, it becomes more than exercise – it becomes a tool for self-discovery, bringing to the surface truths that hover just beneath our everyday consciousness. While we're out living our lives, having experiences, our bodies are constantly processing (or sometimes repressing) everything that happens to us.

Here's the beautiful thing: while yoga offers a structured way to experience this unity of breath, movement, and awareness, this powerful equation isn't exclusive to yoga. We can take this same principle into any physical practice or daily activity. Whether you're running, swimming, dancing, or simply walking mindfully through nature, the combination of conscious breathing, intentional movement, and present-moment awareness creates an opportunity for deeper connection with ourselves.

This is why they say "the body doesn't lie." A body that is cared for, loved, strong yet soft, tells the story of someone who understands their body's tremendous potential to both receive and create life force. When we truly care for our bodies, we acknowledge that all experiences are filtered through both body and mind, tied to our past experiences. Without proper attention, we risk repeating the same patterns and carrying the same energy over and over.

The Language of Emotions

Emotions aren't nuisances – they're how our body communicates with us. When we pay attention to our body's language, we can turn inward and tend to its needs. Like any language, it takes time to learn and understand. Many people find themselves drawn to yoga because it offers their first real experience of being in their body and touching something deeper within – their truest self.

This connection often emerges as we begin clearing surface tension and acknowledging what has been present unconsciously: feelings of dissatisfaction, anger, pain, bitterness, shame, guilt, and fear. These emotions can be unconscious driving forces, making decisions for us if left unchecked. They're our body's way of saying, "Hey, there's something here you need to feel and process. It won't be easy because it's tied to pain and your self-worth, but if we don't move through it, I'll store it, and it will influence every experience and decision you make."

Breaking Free from Old Patterns

Previous generations often taught us to suppress our emotions. But this suppression only leads to mental breakdowns, chronic illness, mental health issues, relationship problems, and a distorted sense of self.

True self-awareness shouldn't make us feel superior to others. Instead, it should foster compassion and understanding because we've gone through the process of loving our wounds. This journey helps us realize how fragile the human experience is and how easily we can project our inner feelings onto others.

Let me share a personal example: During my wedding planning, I was overwhelmed and keeping to myself. When my mother asked me a question and I responded curtly, she called me "bridezilla." My initial impulse was to lash out, but a deeper wisdom stopped me and asked, "Why not respond with understanding instead of offense? Why not ask what's wrong and how you can help?"

This path isn't for the faint of heart. It requires taking responsibility for ourselves and constantly asking, "How am I contributing to this situation?" and "What beliefs do I hold that are coloring my perspective?" It's about developing the awareness to recognize when we're taking things personally instead of attuning to others' feelings and needs.

The journey of body awareness and emotional intelligence is ongoing, but it's one of the most rewarding paths we can choose for our overall wellbeing. Whether through yoga or any other mindful practice, the key lies in uniting breath, movement, and awareness – creating a sacred space for self-discovery and growth.