Eva Norlyk Smith: Many people who practice yoga regularly
say that not only does it get easier to get on to the mat, it also becomes
easier to make better lifestyle choices -- eat more healthful foods, get enough
rest, engage in more physical activity, and so on. Why is that?
Dr. Timothy McCall: That's the other piece of the puzzle.
When yoga is practiced with sensitivity and attention, it gradually increases
awareness. It awakens your ability to feel what's happening in your body,
heart, and mind. When you become more aware of your body, more aware of your
mind, more aware of your breath, you start to notice the consequences of your
behavior. So a particular food that might not be so healthy may taste good to
you, but you may start to realize that when you eat it, you feel crummy. When
you notice that connection, you say, "You know what, I don't think I want
to eat this anymore."
That's another way that yoga can help us to change habits.
It comes from the inside. What the doctor tells you is one thing. But when you
notice the consequences of your actions, it's a very different -- and much more
effective -- motivator. This is your body's internal wisdom talking to you, and
that advice is a lot easier to follow than that of a doctor.
I have found this to be true for myself personally. And it's way easier than fighting a bad habit.
Check out my website for more on Forrest Yoga, and join me!
Breathe!
Leta
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