From the moment you open your eyes to the moment you go to sleep. Its all up to you, your emotions, your thoughts, your perceptions and reactions. No, I'm not pretending you have to force positive toxic nonsense, I just mean that if you focus on your emotions, even the negative ones and give them space, you can move towards having better relationships with those you love and yourself. By practicing a mindful self awareness, being present in our body and making choices that serve us, we are rewiring our malleable brains and learning to extend that gap between stimulus and response.
By noticing the thoughts and feelings that grab us from behind before we act them out, we develop better impulse control. We become less distracted by technology and stay focused on our intention. We start to master our feelings better and feel calmer with will power rather than 'wont' power.
Here are 6 tools you can use on a daily basis
The Power of Intention: By consciously choosing a positive and empowering focus for your yoga practice, you align your mind and body with a specific purpose. Whether it's cultivating gratitude, finding inner peace, or embracing self-compassion, your intention guides your mindset throughout the practice and beyond.
Breath Awareness: The breath is the most powerful tool to anchor us to the present moment. As you bring awareness to your breath, you calm your mind, release tension, and invite a sense of clarity and focus. This simple act of mindfulness creates space for new perspectives and positive shifts in your mindset.
Challenging Your Comfort Zone: Nothing grows in a comfort zone. Your practice invites you to step outside our comfort zones, both physically and mentally. As you explore new postures or variations, you encounter moments of resistance and self-doubt. Embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth. Notice the thoughts and emotions that arise and choose to replace any self-limiting beliefs with empowering affirmations. With consistent practice, you'll witness your mindset expand and become more resilient.
Cultivating Gratitude: Gratitude is a powerful practice that shifts our mindset from scarcity to abundance. Take a few moments each day, either during your yoga practice or outside of it, to reflect on the things you are grateful for. It can be as simple as appreciating the breath that fills your lungs or acknowledging the support of loved ones. By cultivating gratitude, you train your mind to focus on the positive aspects of life, leading to a more optimistic outlook.
Mindful Self-Compassion: Self compassion create a mindset of acceptance, resilience, and self-love that permeates into all aspects of your life. Treat yourself as you would a dear friend that you'd do anything for.
Meditation and Mindfulness: Take moments of stillness (1 to 5 min to start) to observe your thoughts and emotions without attachment or judgment. Mindfulness expands your awareness and helps you respond to life's challenges with greater clarity and equanimity.
Shifting your mindset is a continuous journey—one that unfolds gradually as you commit to your practice so keep on practicing, its all a process.