09/18/2025
Your mind and body are intimately connected.
From a yogic perspective, feelings of shame, negative emotions, or tension in the body can stir up citta-vrtti, or constant mental noise. This makes it difficult for our minds to find a sense of stillness and peace.
The practice of yoga offers a path to move beyond shame and cultivate a loving relationship with your body. Through mindful movement and breath (āsana), we can begin to create a safe space within ourselves.
As you practice, you might notice thoughts and emotions arise. Instead of immediately pushing them away or believing them, try to acknowledge them with curiosity, like a passing cloud.
Over time, this consistent practice of noticing without immediately reacting allows us to build a bridge to non-judgmental awareness. It's not about forcing yourself to feel a certain way, but about patiently creating a new relationship with your inner world, one built on kindness rather than criticism. This shift is the first step toward true self-acceptance.
By doing this, you create space for your mind to find a natural sense of peace, and the path to inner stillness becomes a little bit clearer.
Full Quote for Reference: “Yoga is really trying to liberate us from shame about our bodies. To love your body is a very important thing – I think the health of your mind depends on your being able to love your body.” – Rodney Yee.
