Struggle is not a bad thing
There is a misconception in society that going through a period of struggle is a bad thing. We often think that someone who is struggling emotionally needs to be 'fixed.'
Yoga helps us see a moment of struggle as an opportunity. We notice and acknowledge those anxious tendencies, or low emotions with a sense of curiosity. With an open mind, we start to appreciate that this is our body and mind telling us something. Maybe its time for change? Or self care, some rest, or giving back to yourself in some way?
Can we take this opportunity to get curious about what it is that would most feel soothing, restorative, more fulfilling or would 'fill up our own cup' right now? Are you seeking a change of direction in your work life? Or even a pause from the busyness of your life?
You are not broken or flawed in any way. We can take a moment to get curious about what's really going on and look within our self with a heap of kindness.
Research in self compassion has shown that people who are more self-compassionate are more likely to bounce back from adversity, and that compassion training can alter your response to suffering. One particular study found that 30 minutes of compassion training can change the brain for the better. So this tells us that its a skill we can learn and get better at. Even if we initially find it hard to be kind to ourself we can get better at it the more we practice it.
So how do we practice being kind to ourself in a moment of struggle? Yoga helps us pause, go inwards, and truly pay attention. This is an essential component of being compassionate towards ourself - being mindful. It's a process of personal inquiry to learn and grow. We notice the sensations in our body, we notice the quality of our breath, and we pay attention with a quality of really noticing and caring for ourself - perhaps even offering our self as sense of loving kindness.
Can you offer yourself the kind of care and attention that a good friend would?
For courses and classes at Heart and Mind Yoga Studio see:
Beginners Yoga Course A 5 week course to learn the foundations of yoga starting 22nd July
The Art of Living Well - A 5 week Yoga and Wellbeing course drawing on the wisdom of yoga and the science of wellbeing. Online option, or in classs
Jo Jarden is a certified personal trainer and yoga teacher in Christchurch New Zealand and the founder of Heart and Mind Yoga studio. She has 10 years experience in health promotion in New Zealand and Australia including management and promotion of national chronic disease prevention programs. She now helps people one on one with their wellbeing through yoga teaching, personal training, workplace yoga and wellbeing workshops.
Qualifications include: Certified Yoga Teacher Santosha Yoga Institute, Registered Australian Yoga Alliance 2017
Certificate in Advanced Personal Training, Fit College New Zealand, 2016
Bachelor of Science with Honours Public Health. University of Canterbury, New Zealand 2006
Bachelor of Arts Mass Communication and Psychology. University of Canterbury, New Zealand 2005