On my travels, I have met a number of people who practice yoga.
They focus on their inside environment by stretching their bodies, (safely) push them to their limits. They focus on their breathing.
They know that what they consume affects their experience. Many of these yogis and yoginis (sp?) focus on their food and drink as well, with a strong emphasis on fresh, clean meals that taste great. Nothing unpleasant. Nothing toxic.
They extend this philosophy to their daily lives. In the places they stay, the activities they attempt, and even the people they meet – they seek to increase the frequency and duration of the more pleasant experiences, places and people they encounter, while removing the toxic and unpleasant.
They learn to trust their instinct. These yoga types have a kind of watchful circuitry. One that keeps an eye on their moods and feelings, lets them know if something’s amiss, and helps them identify how to rectify the situation. They learn to listen to their emotions, because they recognise them as real.
There are some amazing similarities between these exercises and practices, and the habits I have cultivated to help me manage my bipolarity:
And now I’m wondering if this is something I can look into more fully. What more can yoga teach me about managing my condition?