Disconnect to Reconnect

Jill Amison • April 8, 2024

The healing powers when taking time out from tech

In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, finding moments of peace and stillness can seem like a distant dream. Our smartphones, with their constant notifications and endless streams of information, often keep us tethered to the digital world, leaving little room for genuine connection with ourselves and the world around us.

Yoga, with its ancient wisdom and holistic approach to wellness, offers a much-needed escape from the tech frenzy. Let's explore the profound health benefits of taking a break from your iPhone and immersing yourself in the practice of yoga.

1. Mental Clarity and Focus: Constant exposure to screens can overwhelm our minds, leading to stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue. Yoga provides a sanctuary where you can unplug, quiet the mental chatter, and cultivate inner peace. Through mindful breathing techniques and meditative practices, yoga enhances mental clarity, sharpens focus, and promotes a sense of calmness that extends far beyond the mat.

2. Improved Posture and Spinal Health: Hours spent hunched over smartphones and laptops can wreak havoc on our posture, leading to neck pain, backaches, and spinal misalignment. Yoga postures, such as Cat-Cow, Cobra, and Mountain Pose, help counteract the effects of prolonged sitting and screen time by strengthening the muscles that support the spine and promoting healthy alignment. A regular yoga practice can alleviate tension in the neck and shoulders, improving overall posture and spinal health.

3. Enhanced Physical Strength and Flexibility: While technology has undoubtedly revolutionised our lives, it has also contributed to a more sedentary lifestyle for many. Yoga offers a holistic approach to health & fitness that combines strength, flexibility, and balance. From dynamic flows that build muscle strength to deep stretches that release tension, yoga poses work synergistically to tone the body and increase flexibility. By incorporating yoga into your routine, you can counterbalance the physical effects of prolonged screen use and cultivate a healthier, more resilient body.

4. Stress Reduction and Emotional Well-being: The constant barrage of notifications, emails, and social media updates can take a toll on our mental and emotional well-being. Yoga serves as a powerful antidote to stress, offering a safe space to release tension, quiet the mind, and reconnect with our inner selves. Through practices such as yoga nidra (guided relaxation) and pranayama (breathwork), we can activate the body's relaxation response, reduce cortisol levels, and promote a sense of emotional balance and well-being.

5. Deeper Connection with Nature and Community: As we immerse ourselves in the digital realm, we risk becoming disconnected from the natural world and the people around us. Yoga encourages us to unplug from our devices and reawaken our senses to the beauty of the present moment. Whether practicing yoga outdoors amidst the tranquility of nature or joining a community class with like-minded individuals, yoga fosters a sense of connection – to ourselves, to each other, and to the world we inhabit.

In conclusion, while technology undoubtedly offers many benefits, it's essential to recognise the importance of balance and moderation. By taking regular breaks from our iPhones and incorporating yoga into our lives, we can reclaim our health, restore balance, and cultivate a deeper sense of well-being in an increasingly tech-driven world.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed by the digital noise, remember to disconnect to reconnect – your body, mind, and soul will thank you for it.

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Navigating Conflict & Creating Healthy Boundaries on the Spiritual Path

By Jill Amison • January 13, 2025

Navigating Conflict and Creating Boundaries on the Spiritual Path Conflict is an uncomfortable yet inevitable part of life. As someone deeply immersed in the practice of yoga and spiritual growth, I’ve often found myself wrestling with how to navigate disagreements, especially of late, while staying true to my values. Yoga teaches us to ride the highs and lows of life with grace, but that doesn’t mean we always get it right. For me, conflict has been a difficult terrain to navigate, but over the years, I’ve learned to stand up for myself with right action—an approach deeply rooted in both Buddhist philosophy and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Sitting with the Feeling Before Reacting One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of sitting with my emotions before reacting. The Buddhist principle of mindfulness encourages us to observe our thoughts and feelings without immediately acting on them. In the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna is faced with an internal struggle about going into battle. Krishna advises him not to avoid the conflict but to engage in it with wisdom and righteousness. Similarly, I’ve realised that avoidance doesn’t resolve conflict; rather, thoughtful engagement does. There have been times when I’ve failed at this—when I’ve reacted instead of responding with intention. But with practice, I’ve learned to pause, breathe, and compose my words with clarity and without hostility. This is not always easy, especially when emotions run high, but it is essential for maintaining inner peace while asserting healthy boundaries. Boundaries: The Bridge Between Compassion and Self-Respect Brené Brown, in Atlas of the Heart, speaks about boundaries as an essential component of healthy relationships. She reminds us that we can agree to disagree, but boundaries help define what is and isn’t acceptable in our interactions. For instance: It’s okay that we have different beliefs, but it’s not okay to belittle mine. It’s okay that we are upset, but it’s not okay to yell or swear at each other. It’s okay to set limits, but it’s not okay to disregard or disrespect them. Boundaries are not about controlling others; they are about protecting our own well-being while still allowing space for connection. They help us navigate relationships with integrity, ensuring that we can hold space for differing perspectives without compromising our values. Healthy Ways to Navigate Conflict on the Spiritual Path So how do we engage in conflict in a way that aligns with our spiritual practice? Here are a few approaches I’ve found helpful: Pause Before Responding – Take a breath, feel the emotions, and respond with intention rather than impulse. Practice Non-Violent Communication – Express needs and concerns without blame or aggression. Hold Compassion for Yourself and Others – Recognize that everyone is navigating their own struggles, and approach conflict with an open heart. Stand Firm in Your Truth – Speak your truth with clarity and confidence, knowing that setting boundaries is an act of self-respect. Accept Disagreements Without Forcing Resolution – Some conflicts may not have a perfect resolution, and that’s okay. Agreeing to disagree while maintaining respect is sometimes the best outcome. Know When to Walk Away – If the other person is unable or unwilling to communicate without crossing your boundaries, it may be necessary to disengage. Protecting your peace is just as important as standing your ground. This could mean ending the conversation, limiting contact, or, in extreme cases, removing yourself from the relationship altogether. Choosing to walk away is not a sign of weakness; it is a testament to your self-respect and emotional well-being. Navigating conflict is not about winning or proving a point; it’s about showing up authentically while maintaining inner peace. It’s about finding the balance between openness and self-protection. It’s a practice—one that, like yoga, requires patience, awareness, and a willingness to grow. As I continue on this journey, I remind myself that I won’t always get it right. But I can keep practicing, keep learning, and keep striving to meet conflict with wisdom and compassion. After all, the goal is not perfection but presence.