Try journaling to deepen your yoga practice

by Louisa Flynn

To begin journaling alongside a yoga practice is to establish a special space just for you – a sacred time to pause and reflect. In this private moment, you can let your thoughts and feelings flow freely, potentially gaining valuable insights into your challenging experiences and the uplifting moments that inspire you.

With scientific evidence of the benefits, the idea is that noticing and naming things – acknowledgement without judgment – can cultivate clarity, and this self-awareness can serve as a source of comfort and strength.

If anxiety or stress feels overwhelming, writing down your thoughts can provide a sense of relief. It’s like gently untangling a knot; once your worries are expressed, they become easier to manage. This process may also reveal solutions you haven’t seen before, empowering you to move forward instead of feeling trapped. Sharing your concerns, even if only with your journal, can lighten the load.

Journaling also invites a focus on gratitude, if done consciously, encouraging you to seek out the positives in your life, no matter how small. Reflecting on what went well can help shift your perspective and build emotional resilience, making it easier to embrace joy, even amidst challenges.

Most importantly, journaling fosters a continuous connection to yourself. It is a gentle reminder that your voice matters and your thoughts deserve to be heard. Even if you face obstacles, this practice, like yoga, can cushion the impact.

Today marks the first Writing for Health and Healing Day, and with it also being Mental Health Awareness Week, there has never been a better time to begin exploring how writing can enhance your yoga practice.

By incorporating journaling into your yoga routine, you can actively nurture your sense of wellbeing, practice self-compassion, and create space for personal growth. One of the easiest ways to begin is by keeping a notebook nearby, especially after a practice, so you can jot down anything that comes to mind.

I like to think of journaling as a landing strip for the feelings that take flight during my yoga practice. Some are set free into the ether, while others I feel I need to ground, so journaling afterwards becomes that safe space for me to do that work.

While journaling doesn’t directly solve problems, it offers them room to breathe, creating a ripple effect with lasting benefits for you and those around you.

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