In today’s fast-paced world, anxiety has emerged as one of the foremost mental health challenges affecting millions globally.
“Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental disorders worldwide, with an estimated 264 million people affected.”
World Health Organization
This staggering statistic highlights the urgency for effective solutions. Notable writer and philosopher Mark Twain once said, “I’ve lived through some terrible things in my life, some of which actually happened.” This quote encapsulates the tendency of anxiety to distort our perceptions, often causing us to suffer from imagined fears rather than real ones.
The Role of Yoga in Alleviating Anxiety
Anxiety stems from an overactive mind and an inability to fully engage with the present. The practice of yoga, particularly the teachings found in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, provides a path to understanding and managing anxiety. One of the foundational principles of yoga is self-awareness. Patanjalis Yoga Sutras, our definitive guide on yoga is an instruction on how to harmonize our mind, body, and spirit in the present moment.
Cultivating Awareness
Through the practice of yoga, we learn to observe our thoughts rather than become entangled in them. This increased awareness is often referred to as *Vritti*—the fluctuations of the mind.
“Yoga means to join or unite; to join the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness.”
Swami Satchidananda
This union helps us recognise the patterns that fuel our anxiety.
The Power of Pranayama
One of the most effective tools derived from yoga for managing anxiety is pranayama, the art of breath control. Breathing is not just a physiological function; it is deeply interwoven with our emotional state. Correcting our breath can have profound effects on our mental state.
“Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts.”
T.K.V. Desikachar
By practising pranayama, we can calm the mind and reduce anxiety. Techniques like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) create a sense of balance and tranquility, helping to anchor us in the present. This breath-centreed practice fosters Pratyahara, the withdrawal of the senses, which is essential in quieting the incessant “monkey mind” that often drives anxiety.
As yogi Sadhguru explains, “In yoga, we talk about how to go beyond the mind, to stay in the presence of our own self.”
Finding Root Causes
Through awareness cultivated in practice, we can begin to unearth the root causes of our anxiety. Often, anxiety is a manifestation of unresolved past experiences or sanskaras, the impressions left by our past actions and thoughts.
By delving into our mind’s tricks and unfounded fears, we can let go of these burdens.
The dance of thought that fuels anxiety can be observed, understood, and eventually released. This is the essence of yoga—encouraging individuals to become aware of their inner workings, providing the tools to navigate and transcend them.
Conclusion
In a time when anxiety looms large as a mental health epidemic, the teachings of yoga offer a beacon of hope. Through the integration of awareness, breath control, and the isolation of sensory distractions, yoga provides us with the means to confront our fears and anxieties. As we cultivate an understanding of our thoughts and emotions, we begin to dismantle the barriers that prevent us from experiencing peace.
“You cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself.”
Swami Vivekananda
The journey to self-awareness through yoga opens the door to self-acceptance, encouraging us to walk the path with confidence, free from the shackles of anxiety. In this transformative approach, we find not just relief from anxiety, but a profound connection to our true selves, leading to a more fulfilled and joyous life.
As you integrate yoga into your daily routine, remember the sage advice of Lao Tzu:
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”
At Yogam Yoga we have found that many of members who have anxiety, have found a noticeable change in their mental state when they attend classes regularly .
Take that step towards healing—both for yourself and for our collective mental well-being. We are with you all the way.