Yoga Beyond the Mat

Reconnecting to Our Bodies Through Yoga

Yoga, for me, has been a journey of rediscovery—one where the physical postures, the breath, and the deeper teachings of the practice have helped me reconnect with my body after years of feeling disconnected.

When I first stepped onto the mat, I was searching for something more than just flexibility or strength; I was searching for a way to find home in my own body. And in the years since, yoga has been the thread weaving me back into myself.

Asana, or the physical postures of yoga, has been such an essential part of this journey. But as I’ve grown in my practice, I’ve come to realize that yoga offers so much more than just movement.

The philosophy behind yoga (its teachings, its wisdom) has become just as important as the poses themselves, guiding me back to my body in ways I never anticipated. Here are just a few of the powerful philosophical aspects of yoga that have helped me reconnect to myself, and that can do the same for you.

Pranayama: Breathing Life Back Into the Body

Pranayama, the practice of breath control, is one of the first ways yoga teaches us to reconnect to our bodies. It may sound simple, but when you start to pay attention to the breath, you begin to notice so much more than the air filling your lungs. The breath becomes a tool to anchor you in the present moment, to calm a racing mind, and to relax tension stored deep within.

In my own practice, pranayama has often been the bridge between mind and body. The awareness of each inhale and exhale has helped me drop into my body with mindfulness and care, reminding me that the breath is always with us, offering a continuous opportunity to reconnect, even when life feels overwhelming.

As a Jewish person, I’ve always found a deep connection between pranayama and the sacred view of breath in Judaism. In the creation story in the Book of Genesis, it is said that God breathed life into Adam, the first human, in the Garden of Eden. This divine breath was the very spark of life.

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel beautifully describes this connection: “The breath of life is not merely a material event, it is the divine gift. It is the breath of God that sustains the soul of all living beings.”  This perspective sees breath as the sacred life force flowing through us—just as pranayama teaches us to consciously connect with and honor the breath as a channel for both life and spiritual vitality.

In both yoga and Judaism, the breath is not just an automatic function, but a divine presence that we carry within us, always available to ground us back into our bodies and remind us of the sacredness of life itself.

Ahimsa: Moving with Compassion

Ahimsa, the principle of non-violence or non-harming, is one of the foundational teachings in yoga. This practice encourages us to be gentle with ourselves, both on and off the mat. In my earlier days, I used to push myself through discomfort in both yoga and in life, often ignoring the warning signs my body was sending me. But with time, I've come to understand that true growth doesn't come from pushing beyond our limits, but from moving with compassion and care.

One of the things I’ve struggled with, and continue to work on, is the way I treat myself in my own mind. I used to be incredibly unkind to myself, often caught in a loop of self-criticism and unrealistic expectations. In my past, this manifested in several eating disorders, as I tried to control something in my life that felt out of my grasp. Ultimately, these behaviors harmed me in the long run, and I learned (often painfully) that this kind of self-violence didn’t lead to strength or growth, but to disconnection and self-doubt.

There’s a study that I find particularly impactful, which shows that the closer someone gets to us, the more likely we are to treat them the way we treat ourselves. This is so true for me. I realized that my unkindness toward myself affected how I showed up for others. When I couldn't show myself compassion, I found it hard to extend that kindness to others, especially those I cared about. Only when I learn to treat myself with the same kindness and respect that I offer to others can I truly begin to show up in a compassionate way for the world around me.

Ahimsa has taught me to slow down and listen—to find the balance between challenge and ease. It has helped me find a space where I can honor my body for what it is, instead of forcing it into something it isn’t ready for. And in doing so, I’ve begun to heal, both physically and mentally, one breath at a time.

Vinyasa: Flowing with Intention

Vinyasa, the practice of linking breath to movement, has been a powerful way for me to integrate mindfulness with physical movement. When I flow through a series of asanas, I am not just performing movements; I am letting my breath guide me, and my body respond naturally. This flow allows me to reconnect with my body's rhythm, as I move through each moment with intention and grace.

Through vinyasa, I’ve learned that yoga is a constant flow, not just of breath and movement, but of energy and awareness. It's through this continuous motion that we come to understand our bodies on a deeper level, allowing us to release tension, stress, and old habits that no longer serve us.

The Yamas and Niyamas: A Code for Living with Harmony

Yoga isn't just about what we do on the mat; it's about how we live in the world. The Yamas and Niyamas are ethical guidelines that shape how we treat ourselves and others. Practices like Satya (truthfulness) and Santosha (contentment) encourage us to live authentically and with acceptance. These teachings help us reconnect with our bodies by creating harmony between our inner and outer worlds.

Through the Yamas and Niyamas, I’ve found that it’s not just about how I move my body, it's about how I live in my body. By living with integrity and acceptance, I’ve learned to embrace all aspects of myself.

Yoga Nidra: Resting Deeply

Yoga Nidra, or yogic sleep, is a state of conscious relaxation that has profoundly impacted my ability to reconnect with my body. In this practice, I let go of all effort and simply allow my body to rest and rejuvenate. It’s in this deep state of relaxation that I’ve noticed how much tension I carry, both physically and mentally, and how releasing that tension can lead to healing.

Yoga Nidra has taught me that rest is not a luxury, but a necessary part of the journey. By giving myself permission to rest deeply, I’ve been able to reconnect to my body in a way that doesn’t demand anything, but simply allows for being.

The Chakra System: Understanding Energy Flow

The chakra system, which maps the energy centers within the body, is another aspect of yoga philosophy that has helped me reconnect with myself. Each chakra represents a different area of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Through understanding the chakras, I’ve been able to pinpoint areas of imbalance in my own life; whether it’s in my physical health, my emotions, or my relationships.

The chakra system is something I’m still learning about, still diving into. With each practice, I uncover new layers and deeper meanings. What I’ve found is that when I ask myself questions like, “Where do I feel this in my body?” or “Where is this emotion rooted in my body?” I can begin to unravel my pain, confusion, and discomfort much quicker. Rather than letting these feelings fester or hide deep within, I’ve learned to approach them with curiosity and presence. This practice has given me the tools to trace the origins of these sensations and emotions, leading me closer to their source, and ultimately to my true purpose.

Understanding the chakras has allowed me to see how much of my physical pain is tied to my emotions, and how shifting one can often shift the other. By focusing on these energy centers, I feel I can bring balance to both my body and my mind, creating a clearer path forward on my journey.

Conclusion: Yoga as a Holistic Practice

Yoga has been, for me, a beautiful journey of reconnecting with my body. Through its teachings, I’ve come to understand that yoga is not just a physical practice, it’s a way of life. Whether through the breath, the mind, the principles of compassion, or the awareness of energy, yoga offers countless tools to help us reconnect with ourselves.

In my practice, I’ve learned that the body is not something to be conquered, but something to be deeply listened to and honored. And as I continue on this journey, I find that yoga is not just about getting stronger or more flexible—it’s about learning to love and care for the body we inhabit, every single day. With Love and Gratitude,

Niah Blue