Ah, anxiety. Whether we experience it chronically or only in specific situations, we all recognize the unmistakable way our minds and bodies react with the fight-or-flight response. Personally, anxiety manifests as an accelerated heartbeat, shallow breaths, and hands that sweat and tremble. My thoughts spiral into a whirlwind of darkness and hopelessness. It’s an unpleasant experience that can halt me in my tracks.
Uncomfortable as it may be, anxiety can also serve as a valuable signal, prompting us to examine aspects of our lives or ourselves that may need attention. Often, when faced with anxiety, our instinct is to suppress it as quickly as possible. We reach for distractions—turning on the TV, scrolling through our phones, taking medication, or indulging in substances. Instead of confronting anxiety head-on, we evade it, ignoring the insights it might hold for us.
This avoidance is instinctual; after all, it is human nature to shy away from pain. Yet, it is only through mindfulness and cultivating a calm, undistracted mind that we truly comprehend the messages behind our anxiety. With practice, we can learn to coexist with our anxiety, embracing its intensity without the urge to escape. Seeking to avoid anxiety may provide temporary relief, but it does not eliminate the problem; instead, it can create energy blockages within us and reinforce patterns of avoidance in our minds.
This is where yoga proves to be an invaluable tool for understanding the root of our anxiety and fostering curiosity about its lessons. Through the practice of yoga postures (or asana) and the exploration of its philosophy, we embark on a meaningful journey of self-exploration and healing. In today’s post, we will explore three essential ways that yoga can help us manage anxiety in a healthy manner. Through mindfulness, loving-kindness, and a connection with the Divine (or our higher purpose, if that resonates more with you), we can transform anxiety into a wise teacher and alleviate the suffering that arises from our attempts to avoid it.
Anxiety Fix #1 – Mindfulness
Mindfulness is about immersing ourselves in the present moment, fully engaging with life as it unfolds before us. It invites us to witness reality without interference from the narratives our minds often construct. These stories can become powerful distortions, leading us to ruminate about past events filled with regret, or to fret anxiously about what the future may hold—scenarios that are almost always not reflective of our current reality.
Mindfulness is a call to detach from these mental narratives, allowing us to experience the authenticity and clarity of the here and now. It’s about recognizing the sounds, sights, and sensations around us, and savoring them without judgment, helping us develop a deeper awareness and appreciation of our existence. With consistent practice, mindfulness can help us respond thoughtfully to our anxiety triggers rather than defaulting to fight or flight mode.
During our practice of asana, we are encouraged to develop a focused, intentional mindset. This involves breathing deeply, moving in harmony with our breath, and consistently redirecting our attention back to that focused state whenever distractions arise. Through this process, we learn to relax into each posture, tuning in to our bodies and uncovering areas where we are holding tension. Even a single session of mindful asana practice can elevate us into a heightened state of awareness. With regular practice, mindfulness can become our default state of being, allowing us to navigate life with greater presence and intention.
When we operate from a mindful state, we can observe our anxiety with a sense of objectivity and curiosity, rather than fear or avoidance. This shift in perspective allows us to engage with our anxiety thoughtfully. Instead of reacting automatically to suppress it, we can begin to ask ourselves probing questions: “Am I living in alignment with my true self? Am I neglecting responsibilities that require my attention, or am I caught up in activities or relationships that no longer serve me?” This deeper reflection can reveal significant insights, guiding us toward a more authentic and fulfilling life.
#2 – Loving-Kindness
We have a tendency to treat and judge ourselves far more harshly than we do others, and to hold ourselves to standards we do not expect of others. A wise person once pointed out my tendency for self-criticism and suggested that I start treating myself as I would a good friend, and this simple advice really opened my eyes to the way I talked to myself. If a friend were to stumble, make a mistake, or face a challenging situation, I would never dream of berating her or labeling her as a hopeless failure. So why do I permit myself that kind of cruel treatment? This reflection started an important shift—recognizing that I, too, deserve compassion and understanding.
In the realm of yoga, loving-kindness is a prevalent theme that helps to create greater compassion for ourselves and for the circumstances we navigate. As we engage in regular practice, we gradually begin to shed the harmful narratives we create about our perceived shortcomings or the unrealistic comparisons we make to others. For me, this transformative journey was marked by a significant boost in confidence. As I embraced the principles of asana and incorporated related practices like meditation, I came to realize that I am worthy of love and kindness, not just from those around me but from myself as well.
Embracing loving-kindness grants us the permission to cut ourselves some slack. In moments of anxiety, it’s common to feel as though we are somehow failing or that our feelings are unjustified. However, when we approach ourselves with the same tenderness we would extend to a dear friend, we empower ourselves to sit with our anxiety rather than flee from it. This nurturing perspective enables us to trace the roots of our anxiety, encouraging self-exploration and understanding. By acknowledging our experiences with kindness, we open the door to healing and growth, transforming the way we relate to ourselves and our challenges.
#3 – Spiritual Connection
Regardless of one’s beliefs about spirituality or religion, it is difficult to overlook the existence of forces greater than ourselves. Observing the natural world—whether it’s witnessing a small seedling transform into a magnificent tree or marveling at the miracle of a newborn’s first breath—reveals that these phenomena are not mere accidents of nature.
There is a powerful driving force behind such wonders, often referred to in yoga as the life force energy that emanates from the Divine. When we approach this concept with curiosity and openness, a profound sense of comfort can emerge. I like to envision it as the Universe looking out for me, instilling a foundational assurance that, despite life’s uncertainties, I am fundamentally okay.
Life force energy flows through our bodies, and it is literally what sustains our existence. When we engage in asana practice, we actively awaken and circulate this energy, deepening our connection with our sacred bodies—connections that we often neglect amid the demands of daily life. Through mindful movement, we foster an environment where we can let go of tension and begin to trust in the energy that nourishes and supports us. This practice becomes a sacred dance between body and spirit, allowing us to experience a more profound sense of vitality and presence.
Establishing a connection with our higher selves—whether we refer to it as the Universe, God, or another name—instills a feeling of security and grounding. This connection can be an antidote to anxiety, as it reminds us that while our present circumstances may be stressful, they are temporary. There is a unique solace that comes from the awareness that we are guided by a force far beyond our immediate comprehension. This understanding can offer solutions, or at the very least, a sense of relief from the everyday pressures we face, along with the larger disappointments life may bring our way.
—
Mindfulness, loving-kindness, and a connection to the Divine are just a few of the transformative ways that yoga can address anxiety. At the heart of all these benefits lies the common theme of cultivating a quiet mind. At Inspiring Actions, this is our primary goal. Our studios located in Hudson and River Falls, Wisconsin, along with our online offerings, provide a diverse range of classes and events designed to help you silence the mental chatter and distractions that often contribute to anxiety and various forms of suffering it causes. We understand that in today’s fast-paced world, finding stillness can seem challenging, but we are here to guide you on that journey toward inner peace.
Whether you’re drawn to an invigorating flow class that encourages movement and energy release, or a gentle, restorative class that nurtures introspection and calm, Inspiring Actions has something for everyone—regardless of where you are in your practice or your life journey. We believe that yoga is a personal exploration, and we strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can discover what resonates with them. Come and practice with us to uncover the valuable life lessons hidden behind your anxiety. Together, we will explore how to embrace these lessons and transform them into pathways for growth and understanding. Your journey toward tranquility and self-discovery begins here.
