How to tap into the force with yoga mind tricks

Lose your mind in the galaxy and find clarity about your purpose

This week in my Wednesday morning class, we set the intention to lose our mind. For much of our days, our minds guide us through tasks. But when we get wound up and keep acting like the answer is in overthinking and overworking, we set ourselves back.

In class we considered the idea that our mind is susceptible and that we shouldn’t always believe our thoughts. From there we used gentle movements to build sensation in the body and said hello to different areas where the breath was moving.

This foundation held us as the body guided the movements. We eased ourselves into space travel to feel how energy moves through the body. We got lost, not worried if each movement was perfectly matched on each side. Instead, we let the body find pleasure in movement. We built trust with our bodies and laughed at the reminder that we are the ones best suited to guide ourselves forward.

We tapped back into the force within by getting lost. We noticed the relief that came through in the moments where we let go of the need for logic, the need to perform, and the fear of being different.

It’s here we reconnected to our sankulpa (higher purpose). Peeling away worries, shame, guilt, and expectations, we were able to refocus our energy to move through the week with clarity and compassion.

Here’s how you too can access your inner force like a master warrior:

• Pause: Don’t override the system warning telling you to slow down. This takes bravery. At first it may feel impossible to pause, to let others manage their own disappointment, and to do something differently than you have in the past. When you feel like it’s too much, it probably is. Whether it means declining an invite, not racing to meet arbitrary deadlines, or finding extra restful self care, these practices can help you access your truth.

• Move: Without reacting to the movement, let your body move freely. Notice if the first narratives that pop up to try to block you from yourself sound like “this is stupid” or “I look stupid” or “this doesn’t look a certain way.” Breakthrough that initial resistance, remembering we are often the ones holding ourselves back. This is the moment where you have a choice and more control and power than you were taught to believe.

• Refocus: Whether in stillness or in movement access your inner voice. Speak to your body. Ask it what it needs or wants to feel or do what you’re moving towards. Listen for the response. Remember that you have tools to help you battle dark forces as you shine your light to share your purpose.

5 Ways I Practiced Yoga Last Week

1. Dharana (concentration): I focused on what my needs were with movement this week and connected to my body in the asana practice.

2. Ahimsa (non-harming): I’ve moved slower through moments to be mindful of my words and which ones are going to best help with understanding.

3. Dhyana (meditation): Small moments of meditation throughout the week helped me embrace gratitude.

4. Pranayama (breath control): As I moved through events this week, I used my breath in each transition to help me stay present.

5. Asana (postures): My movement felt heavy this week but strong.

5 Ways You Can Practice Yoga This Week

1. Dharana (concentration): Lift your eyes from the device, set it down, stare out in front, and breathe for several rounds.

2. Ahimsa (non-harming): Be mindful of your words in moments where you’re overwhelmed.

3. Dhyana (meditation): Practice moving meditation with a walk outside to witness Spring in bloom.

4. Pranayama (breath control): Use three breathes in your transitions, one to let go of where you just were, one to just be, and one to shift your forward.

5. Asana (postures): Use props in your postures this week to support your body. I like blocks and a bolster!

Three videos provided for paid subscribers this week offer a variety of approaches to practicing focus, affirmations for the week, and information on May classes.