Yoga is more than just a physical practice – it is a way of living mindfully and cultivating greater self-awareness. One important aspect of this practice is how we approach our experiences and the language we use to describe them.

In yoga, we aim to meet our experiences with a sense of curiosity and non-judgmental awareness. This means observing our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without getting caught up in them or reacting impulsively. By doing so, we can develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and our patterns of behavior.

When it comes to describing our experiences, it’s important to use language that is descriptive and specific. By identifying the location and quality of sensations in the body or the thoughts and emotions that arise in response to a situation, we can better understand the inner workings of our mind and body.

However, it’s also important to be mindful of the language we use and the stories we tell ourselves about our experiences. Our descriptions can be colored by our biases, assumptions, and past experiences, which can cloud our perception and create unnecessary suffering. Therefore, in yoga, we practice using language that is compassionate, kind, and non-judgmental towards ourselves and others.

For example, if we experience discomfort or pain during a yoga pose, we can describe the sensations we feel without labelling them as “bad” or “wrong.” Instead, we can approach them with curiosity and a desire to understand what they are trying to tell us about our bodies.

Similarly, when we encounter challenging situations in our lives, we can describe our emotions without getting caught up in them. By acknowledging and accepting our feelings without judgement, we can develop greater resilience and the ability to cope with difficult situations.

How we meet our experiences and describe them in yoga is an important part of cultivating mindfulness and self-awareness. By approaching our experiences with curiosity and non-judgmental awareness, and using language that is descriptive and compassionate, we can develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.