Big changes, and sudden changes in particular, can be a large source of stress. Our minds are hardwired to resist change, even when it is a positive one.1 When it comes to our body and mind, though, change usually happens in small increments, often unnoticeable to us. Given enough time, these small incremental changes compound, grow, and become perceptible, at which time they can surprise us. Suddenly, the unknown becomes known.
A consistent yoga practice creates an environment where we notice subtleties, and we start to perceive smaller and smaller changes in our bodies, and sometimes even our minds. As we become better at noticing these subtle changes, we learn that even the same yoga positions and exercises practiced in the same way every day will in fact, feel and be different each time. We begin to recognize our body’s/mind’s changes before they grow into something big and potentially stressful. In a sense, we train ourselves how to “see it coming.”
Our yoga practice also teaches us how to accept and get used to change in general by recognizing that the majority of our day, each moment, is always unknown to us until it happens. In yoga philosophy we call this being present, living each moment for itself, without thinking to the past or the future. Of course there will always be some unforeseeable surprises that will happen, things we could not have predicted. But, if we train our minds to learn how to accept change on a regular basis, we’re better equipped to manage our stress level even on those occasions.
Many people practice their yoga asanas (postures) from the perspective of trying to maintain their peak fitness and youth – not to lose flexibility, strength or balance as the body and mind age. In this case, we hope for no change. But of course, no change is an unrealistic desire. If instead we cultivate some curiosity, and unflinchingly observe the small, subtle changes in our body and mind as they develop, we can help reduce the stress associated with aging simply by familiarizing ourselves with how our bodies and minds continue to evolve over time. We’ll recognize what is happening before our body becomes shockingly different to the perception we have of ourself, and we’ll also have a better idea of what types of exercises we need to do to continuously maintain good health. Open-eyed curiosity also helps us avoid the tendency we have to compare our current self with our memory of previous abilities. This way of staying present helps us maintain serenity in the face of aging and ultimately our own death.
In addition, it can be helpful to practice yoga asana from the perspective of trying to build towards a specific goal, for example: headstand, or touch the toes from standing, or achieve a fancy aerial yoga position. It doesn’t matter if our goal is something we used to be able to do, or was never able to do. When we have a goal we strive for, we eagerly look for change, even a small one, searching for signs of progress. And in this way, we turn change from a possible stress-inducer, to a helpful guide showing us a path forward towards something desirable.
If you struggle with change like many of us do, I encourage you to change your relationship to change! We all know that financially speaking, a little bit of change set aside each day adds up to something valuable in the end. The changes in your life, whether unpleasant or pleasant, unexpected or predictable, add up to something even more valuable than money. They make you, you!
