The Body Mind Connection

While this may conjure up images of tie-dyed clad hippies, there's more to this concept that really deserves our attention. As an experience Yoga Instructor, the connection between the body and the mind is something that I've been aware of and put into practice for many years. Finally, the topic is becoming more mainstream and more and more people are beginning to realize the connection and apply the principles to their daily life.

In Yoga philosophy, there is no separation between mind, body, and spirit. The three exist in union...what happens to the body also happens to the mind and spirit and vice versa. If something affects you emotionally, it will show up in the physical body. Stress is a perfect example - if you're stressed out about something, you'll develop physical symptoms (headache, upset stomach, high blood pressure, etc). By being conscious of this fact, you can develop a practice that will enhance and enrich both your body and your mind.

In essence, Yoga is meditation in motion. It allows you to go inward, focus on your breath and really bring your attention to the pose your in, noticing any resistance or reaction within your body.

This concept can easily be applied to not only your Yoga practice, but any exercise regimen. As a Certified Personal Trainer at The Fitness Underground - Los Angeles, I bring my years of Yoga experience to my clients, applying the same principles of Yoga to every workout.

Rather than mindlessly moving throu

h a sequence of exercises, approach those exercises mindfully. Bring your full awareness to the movement. Whether you are doing Yoga or doing reps in the weight room, your body and mind will benefit greatly by making a conscious shift in your awareness.

There's a reason Yoga has been practiced for centuries...quite simply, it works. Yoga has gained tremendous popularity in recent years. Peoples attitudes about health and wellness continue to evolve and the scientific community is beginning to realize the importance of the body-mind connection. Even though the ancient yogis understood that emotional stress is carried in the mind, the body and the spirit, Western medicine has been slow to accept or acknowledge this. Recent research has verified that mental and emotional conditions can affect the state of the physical body and that the body mind connection is real. Many doctors and psychologists are now recommending yoga to help patients deal with problems that only a few years ago would have been treated solely with medication, recommending it as a complementary treatment to aid healing of several ailments such as depression and anxiety disorders, high blood pressure, asthma and as rehabilitation for musculoskeletal problems and traumatic brain injury. Yoga has even been suggested as a behavioral therapy for smoking cessation and substance abuse.

Clearly, the benefits of recognizing and applying the principles of the body mind connection are numerous. By realizing the connection and putting it into practice in your daily life you will feel better physically, mentally and emotionally.

A simple shift in awareness...a mindful approach to a healthier life, an easy way to start feeling better about yourself and the world around you.

Texas, Certified Personal Trainer & Yoga Instructor at The Fitness Underground- Los Angeles http://www.thefitnessunderground.com