A few years ago, one of my astute friends commented that she had always figured that a mutual male acquaintance of ours was "rigid" in his outlook on life and in his interactions with friends and romantic partners because he held his body so rigidly. I had never noticed that physical aspect of him but I realized that the strain that had emerged in our friendship resulted from his strict, judgmental views on how I handled my finances and a few other areas of my life. I did not appreciate those views, at all!
If a rigid body reflects rigid thinking does a flexible body reflect flexible thinking? And, even more important, can creating a more flexible body through gentle hatha yoga lead to a more flexible outlook on life? In my view, this is definitely a possibility. Just think about it, as you o- p - e- n and s - t - r - e - t - c - h your body and all your muscles and tendons through daily yoga practice, you become more energized and very likely, you feel more expansive and more open-minded and accepting of others.
When your muscles are tight, taut, and constricted from a sedentary lifestyle and lack of use, you are probably going to be more irritable and withdraw more into yourself. When you don't feel great, are you really flexible in you thinking? I think not!
David Simon, Medical Director of the Chopra Center (founded by Deepak Chopra), touches on this very topic in the DVD, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga, which I highly recommend. Simon notes that the benefits of yoga asanas extend beyond the physical to the mental and spiritual. Heexplains that greater flexibility of the body developed through yoga can lead to greater flexibility and open-mindedness in one's life off the yoga mat. Yes, I believe a flexible body can create a more flexible outlook.
Laura's thought for the day: "Since yoga has the power to unite the body, mind, and spirit, developing a flexible body through yoga can lead to a more flexible (and fun!) outlook on life and your relationships."
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