Originally posted November 6, 2020
There are many ways of understanding how body connects with mind. My understanding comes from participating in, and observing, many years of my own mind-body conversations. These experiences developed mainly from using Swami Radha’s brilliant method of the Hidden Language of Hatha Yoga. In this yoga practice, mind learns how to listen to body and – even if only occasionally – follows through with the messages that emerge; messages coming in a different kind of language. For me, this is a language of energy fluctuations, inspiration, pain, tension, relaxation, and symbolic images. Trust in the process of learning develops gradually.
When Swami Radha was experimenting with how to teach this way of learning from the body, I was more literal-minded and missed the nuances of body speaking to mind and mind stepping out of rational thinking and into what seemed to be the mysterious world of my unconscious. I learned about the effects of moving toward the unconscious by being in the moment, and then sometimes experiencing feelings such as joy, well-being, and peace, but also at times, fatigue or unease. Combine the emotions and sensations with Yoga asanas and we have a very effective way for the body and mind to communicate with each other. And I, the receiver, can make changes in my life based on the messages coming from those body-mind interactions. I don’t always understand them, but I have had enough insights to know the process can be very enriching.
There is an intelligence in the body. Not everything can be spelled out about how this body-mind relationship works as it can be different for everyone. And it can’t be figured out rationally. Understanding comes from inside, from self-observation and the “I get it!” moments. The benefits I have experienced are an enhancement of physical and psychological well-being, being able to listen and respond to the body’s messages, learning patience, tapping the wisdom of the unconscious, and the joy of learning something about me through that body-mind dynamic. We can’t demand results. They come when the time is ripe.
Recently, I had an experience of the body-mind dynamic. It was a message about the importance of relaxation. I’ve received these messages in the past, but often didn’t listen. This time I had to listen. Arthritic pain slowed me down. Actually, the intensity of the pain stopped me. There was lots happening in my life, yet I needed to be still, to listen for inner guidance. Swami Radha had said over and over to focus on the Light and with that focus we become Light and can access the wisdom of that power. As I slowed down and listened inside, relaxing my body, relaxation expanded, gently penetrating my mind. Breath felt like a bridge for body and mind to come together. As I relaxed the pain dissolved, bringing a deep feeling of well-being and gratitude. I’ve had very little pain since the incidence in early September.
Doing the Divine Light Invocation is an excellent way for body and mind to connect in a positive and, at times, uplifting way. Mind directs body through the sequence, body tenses and relaxes, breath inhales and exhales, all to enhance concentration. Mind visualizes body being filled with Light; body feels Light as a warm, sometimes loving, presence. I have a sense of awe of that body-mind relationship.