Some stress is good for you

It’s difficult to avoid stress in our Western World.

It motivates us to do what we need to do. It gives us that ‘up and go’ to achieve important tasks.

We develop unhealthy stress when we spend a lot of time worrying about the future or ruminating about the past. We are not in the present moment, but rather simply using the present moment as a stepping stone to get to the next moment.

This is literally missing life!

The illusion of control

We also feel like we want to control things in our life. It’s only natural that we want circumstances in our life to be a certain way. However, it’s a very exhausting way to live!

The ancient wisdom traditions all agree that actually, nothing is in our control.

The key to living with less stress (or to eliminate stress) is to realise this. And to be OK will the messiness, the unpredictable nature of life.

Find your inner peace

The experience of stress affects our breathing, our immune system, and our general state of health.

The practices of the ancient wisdom traditions, such as yoga - especially restorative practices - help to clear our perception and find more mental freedom. The postures in yoga are a vehicle to access clarity of mind, and the breathing and relaxation practices regulate our nervous system, so we can access our true nature - inner peace.

Get a fresh perspective

We begin to realise that it’s less about controlling our surroundings, and more about mastering our perception of them.

We assume the causes of stress are external. But stress is our mind’s reaction to an event. The event itself cannot be linked directly to specific bodily effects.

This is a fabulous opportunity - because if the problem is in our mind, then we can change our state of mind.

So instead of changing the world around us, we can change our inner world.

“It’s less about controlling our surroundings, and more about mastering our perception of them”

Mental freedom

Over time we realise the life challenges that we experience are not a problem, but rather they are exactly what we need for our own growth and evolution. It’s not about perfecting everything around us, but rather learning to remain at peace regardless of our circumstances.

Now this is truly an art! And not easy. But this is, in my view, is a reflection of someone who is successful in life…. someone who is not a victim of their circumstances, but rather has found mental freedom, despite their circumstances.

“There is no set of conditions that leads to lasting happiness. Lasting happiness doesn’t come from conditions; it comes from learning to flow with conditions” - Cory Muscara via Zen monks

Jo Jarden is a health coach, yoga teacher, personal trainer and founder of Heart and Mind Yoga, 147 Papanui Road, Christchurch New Zealand. She helps people find mental peace, physical vitality, and to live with purpose. Experience some restorative yoga at one of her upcoming offerings below :

Beachside Retreat: Body and mind practices to reduce stress and live with more EASE, CLARITY and STEADYNESS.*Early bird price before 12 Feb $155, includes lunch (click image to book)




Jo JardenHeart and Mind Yoga