And how we can put it into practice in life, too (“off the mat”)
In the middle of a virtual class several months ago, I swiftly scribbled down something our teacher Nikki suggested that sparked an inner lightbulb. She said, “Yoga can help us understand our pain and its source, and meet it with compassion;” that yoga helps us “learn to be with pain and discomfort compassionately.”
To me, this translates as seeing yoga as a tool to work with existing physical, mental, and emotional pain or discomfort. Sometimes we enter a yoga class, movement practice, work meeting, or conversation with pain that’s already there; sometimes pain or discomfort arises as we move through various postures or transitions.
Whatever the case, yoga can help us learn to be with pain and discomfort in the moment. This might mean:
- Acceptance—maybe even forgiveness if applicable.
- Seeing pain or discomfort more clearly—general mindfulness and awareness.
- Understanding the difference between pain and discomfort—pain signals us to stop and adjust accordingly; discomfort invites us to trust that we can breathe through it and find the alignment points that create more stability or mobility.
- Learning how to adapt and modify as needed—so we don’t exacerbate symptoms, and potentially even support healing.
- Recognizing if and when we need other interventions—third-party assistance and general support.
- Noticing the mind-body connection—the relationship between body and mind in relation to pain and discomfort.
More insights on yoga and mindful movement here.
Read the full post (plus a free virtual yoga class for jet lag) on Substack.
If you’d benefit from personalized guidance with your yoga practice, mindful movement, or learning how to navigate pain and discomfort on a physiological level, book a free coaching assessment call. It’s really my pleasure and honor to support you.
How do you meet physical, mental, and emotional pain and discomfort?
What helps, and what’s not useful?
Take care,
S
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