Yoga for Spiritual Healing

We are all aware of yoga as an ancient practice and as a popular wellness activity to improve physical and emotional health, but did you also know that yoga serves an integral part in healing from spiritual trauma or moral injury and renewing your spiritual energy? Yes, it’s true! Yoga is a beneficial complementary practice to therapy or medical treatment for those experiencing moral and spiritual injury by supporting healing and recovery through movement and breath work.

Yoga has been shown to have a number of benefits for mental and emotional well-being, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, and improving mood and self-esteem. In addition, the physical postures and breathing techniques used in yoga can help individuals develop greater body awareness and mindfulness, which can be helpful in processing and coping with feelings of guilt, shame, and other emotions related to spiritual injury.

Benefits of Yoga

Let’s delve into the benefits that practicing self-guided yoga can have on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being:

Develop Self-awareness

Yoga allows you the mental and physical space to connect with your body and mind to develop a deeper sense of self-awareness. You can observe your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations during your practice, which can help you identify areas of tension, stress, or imbalance in your body and mind.

Increase Mindfulness

Yoga can help cultivate mindfulness, which is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the present moment. By focusing on your breath and body movements, you can bring your attention to the present and reduce distractions and mental chatter.

Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Yoga has been shown to be an effective tool for reducing stress and anxiety. By practicing yoga, you can create a safe and calming space for yourself, where you can release tension and find inner peace.

Improve Flexibility and Strength

Regular yoga practice can improve your flexibility, strength, and balance. By practicing yoga, you can focus on specific areas of your body that need attention and develop a deeper understanding of your body's abilities and limitations.

Overall, yoga is a powerful tool for improving your physical, mental, and emotional health, and developing a deeper connection with yourself.

Styles of Yoga

Getting started with yoga may seem intimidating with the various styles of practice and many instructors available. Determining which style of yoga to practice is best may depend on your personal goals and needs. Let’s learn more about some of the most popular styles of yoga.

Hatha Yoga is a gentle, slow-paced yoga where some beginners start as this style focuses on basic poses and breathing techniques.

A more dynamic style of yoga is Vinyasa Yoga. Vinyasa Yoga focuses on flowing movements and connecting breath with movement which makes this style a great way to build strength and flexibility.

Ashtanga Yoga is a more physically demanding and structured form of yoga that involves a set sequence of poses. Ashtanga Yoga is a great style for building strength and stamina.

Iyengar Yoga is ideal for those needing adaptations in poses as this style is precise and detail-oriented yoga in that it focuses on proper alignment and the use of props like blocks for accommodating injuries or limitations.

Restorative Yoga is a gentle and relaxing form yoga that focuses on passive stretching and restorative poses. This is a great style of yoga for reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

For a slower-paced yoga, try Yin Yoga, as this style involves holding poses for several minutes to target the deeper connective tissues which is great for improving flexibility and joint mobility.

It can be fun to experiment with different styles of yoga until you find the one that feels right for you to meet your wellness goals!

Get Started with Yoga Practice

Getting started with yoga can seem daunting, but there are some simple steps to get you started:

Find a Class or Instructor

Many communities have several yoga studios or gyms that offer yoga classes. There are also numerous free yoga videos or apps that will guide you through the practice. You might look for studios or online programs that focus on the beginner to learn the basics.

Get the Right Equipment

All you need to get started with yoga is a comfortable yoga mat or towel and some comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely. You can also consider purchasing props such as blocks or straps to help with certain poses.

Practice Regularly

Aim to practice yoga at least once or twice a week, even if it is just for a few minutes. Consistency is key to reaping the benefits of yoga, such as increased flexibility, strength, and relaxation.

Listen to Your Body

It's important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. If a pose doesn't feel comfortable or causes pain, modify or skip it altogether. Remember that yoga is a personal practice, and everyone's body is different.

Enjoy the Process

Don't worry about being perfect or achieving certain poses right away. Yoga is a journey, and it's important to enjoy the process and not focus too much on the end result. Remember to breathe deeply and be present in each moment of your practice.

Through regular yoga practice, you’ll be well on your way to new, healthier, happier you breaking free from the trauma cycle and healing your spiritual wounds. I can’t wait to see how yoga has transformed you!

Ready to know more about connecting the Mind, Body, & Soul for Self-Healing?

Join us on Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. EST for our 1st annual FREE online Energy Harvest Universal Healing Event that will provide a first ever look into our Spirit Source Connection Community with a focus on aligning the Mind, Body, and Soul. You won’t want to miss this special online event hosted by YOUR Coach B. Von Squires!

Coach B. Von Squires talks with Katy Newton about yoga’s benefits for spiritual healing.