.jpeg)
Whether we like it or not, the majority of what happens in life is out of our hands. However, what is within our grasp is how we choose to perceive and approach life. The way we view ourselves, our surroundings, and our experiences can dramatically shift our day to day life.
Research suggests that the average person has about 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day. Of those thousands of thoughts, 80% are negative, and 95% are exactly the same repetitive thoughts as the day before. This cycle traps us in a mental loop, causing us to view our lives and circumstances through an unchanging lens. We spin around and around in our own hamster wheel of the mind and get stuck on repeat. Sometimes, all that is required is a minor shift in perspective—observing the same thing from a different viewpoint.
Yoga teaches us that perspective is not just a way of looking at the world; it is the world as we understand it. Through each pose and breath, yoga invites us to dive deeper into our inner selves, to become aware of our thoughts and feelings, and to examine our approach to life. When we begin to move stale energy, create space in the body and the mind, and gently shift out of our comfort zone - we become aware of the possibility of a newfound perspective. By doing so, we cultivate a space where change is possible.
We begin to notice that our thoughts do not define us, nor do our circumstances. And in that we can find a sense of freedom in realizing that we have the choice to interpret our experiences differently. Over time this offers a sense of peace and steadiness as we move through the ups and downs of life.
This shift in how we view the world around us can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place within it. By adopting a positive and flexible perspective, we open the door to endless possibilities for growth and transformation both on and off the mat.
Where to begin? All you have to do is get on your mat, move, and breathe.
It’s that simple.