Taking refuge is something all human beings need from time to time. In the midst of life’s transitions, we often seek a safe space—whether physically or mentally—to rest, restore, and regain our sense of balance. Life is always in motion, ever-changing, and sometimes the pace can leave us feeling untethered.
According to the teachings of Buddha, life is comparable to a river—continuously flowing and impermanent. The river of one moment is not the same as the river of the next; each moment is different from the last and the next. This impermanence encourages a lack of attachment and an acceptance of the power of letting go.
One way to reduce the anxiety and fatigue that paradoxically keep us from resting deeply is to understand the profound power of "letting go." This includes learning to embrace our current state, choosing to focus on “what is” instead of holding onto expectations of “what should be.”
We all need refuge from time to time. Life is always in transition. According to the teachings of Buddha, life is like a river—constantly flowing and impermanent. The river of one moment is not the same as the river of the next, reminding us that each moment is different from the last and the next. This impermanence encourages us to practice letting go, releasing attachment to expectations and embracing “what is” instead of “what should be.”
One way to reduce the anxiety and fatigue that keep us from truly resting is by understanding the power of letting go. Learning to accept our current state allows us to live more fully in the present moment, rather than be bound by our expectations.
In today’s fast-paced world, finding peace is more challenging than ever. The constant demands of work, family, and social obligations often leave us feeling overwhelmed. Yoga offers a refuge from this chaos—not only as a physical practice, but also as a way to nourish our mental and emotional well-being.
There’s growing evidence that yoga is a powerful therapeutic tool for many health conditions. Natural Joy Yoga is one of the few in Oslo offering yoga therapy, combining physical practice with deep emotional healing.
Yoga is more than just physical movement—it’s a practice that helps you connect with the deeper layers of yourself. Here’s how yoga can guide you toward inner peace:
Breathwork (Pranayama): Breathing techniques in yoga calm the nervous system and bring your focus to the present moment. This mindful breathing helps to quiet the mind and reduce stress. When you focus on your breath, you're able to let go of anxious thoughts, creating a sense of refuge in the here and now.
Mindful Movement (Asanas): The physical postures in yoga aren’t just for flexibility—they help you release tension stored in the body. By focusing on how your body moves and feels, you bring awareness to the present moment, allowing your mind to disconnect from outside distractions. This flow of movement creates space for mental clarity and peace.
Meditation: Yoga incorporates meditation, whether through sitting still or moving mindfully. Meditation trains your mind to focus and let go of overwhelming thoughts, creating a sense of inner calm. Regular meditation teaches you to observe your thoughts and feelings without attachment, offering a safe, peaceful mental space where you can always return.
Letting Go (Non-Attachment): A key principle in yoga is learning to let go of what you cannot control. This mental shift helps reduce stress and anxiety as you learn to accept life as it comes. When you let go of expectations and judgment, you find refuge in the present moment, finding peace within yourself.
In combining breath, movement, and meditation, yoga creates a holistic approach to stress relief. It offers a space where you can take refuge from the pressures of daily life and discover a calm, protected center within yourself. Through practice, you cultivate inner peace and resilience that extends beyond the mat and into your everyday life.
Each time we meet, we retreat into a space of refuge: from the busy mind, within the body, and from the heart. My deepest hope is that our time together brings satisfaction and inspiration, deepening our practice of the yoga we love.
Remember, your true home is within. You can’t control what’s to come, but you can manage the present. When life pulls you away, come back to self. Come back home.
I invite you to practice a calming Yoga Nidra meditation after reading this, and experience the peace of letting go.
Remember you can also find me on Instagram & YouTube where I share lots of free classes to practice at home :)
Until next time!
With love,
Paulina.
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