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An Increased Ability to Handle Stress
What almost always happens as we progress in yoga is that
we come to realize that the inevitable stresses of life seem to be affecting
us less. We feel physically and emotionally relaxed to a much greater
degree than we did prior to having made yoga a significant part of our
life.
We might not necessarily achieve the stereotype of the utterly
calm, preternaturally blissful guru, (ie, "Type A's" might not
become "Type Z's") (but then again they might) (and they may
at least aspire to B-/C+ status). Our periods of emotional peace and quiet,
however, increase, and that increase is also qualitative. The stereotype
is a stereotype because there is substance to what yoga can do for us.
What yoga does not do is promise us a lessening of life's
external stressors, an immunity from the slings and arrows of outrageous
misfortune and their wounds; but it does give us a noticeably enhanced
ability to deal with all of them. We become more peaceful within, and
that is quite a blessing.
The physiological reasoning behind this is that yoga's poses
and breathing exercises strengthen the body's nerves and release tensions
that we hold in our musculature, inducing calm.
"To reduce stress the body and mind cannot be treated
as separate components. The tension associated with stress is stored mainly
in the muscles, the diaphragm and the nervous system. If these areas are
relaxed, stress is reduced. Rapid, shallow breathing becomes deep and
slow, allowing a higher intake of oxygen, and removing stress from the
body and mind." BKS Iyengar.
This is not rocket science. It's common sense. Stressed?
Take a deep breath. Stretch. Now, multiply that effect. That's what yoga
does for you.
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