Asana instead of hugs

One of the many benefits we get from a yoga practice is an increased sense of well being. Whether we wanted that to happen, or expected it, it will happen. Whether we are flexible or not, can do a headstand or not, feel spiritually inclined or disinterested in that aspect of yoga, you are more likely going have better sense of well-being after a class than you did before.  Those of you who were practicing with me when Yoga Loka was over the laundromat may remember leaving class, walking through the Sunday morning laundry crowd and having someone look at you and say "I'll have what you just had".  Feeling good is obvious to others, even if you don't realize it at first yourself.  

There is a physiological reason for this and it lies just below the skin.  The fascia, that lovely slippery, hopefully pliable, tissue that is everywhere that you can not see, is embedded with interoceptive nerve endings.  These nerve endings are stimulated through touch (massage, a hug, etc) and also the movements that occur during a yoga class.  When we move our limbs we are activating these nerve endings, especially as we twist, pull, stretch, bind, wrap our legs around each other- this is all moving the fascia (and the lymph- good for your immune system) and making these interoceptors light up.  These nerves then stimulate a section of your brain that has been linked to a persons sense of safety, contentment and presence.  This is also why hugs feel so good. The wiring is built in for this to happen. We just need to start the process.

At a time when there is limited contact with other beings we may be finding that we really are missing the hello/goodbye hugs, the handshakes and the casual contact that we used to have on a daily basis. And we might be suffering from this lack by not having the stimulation of interoception as much as the pandemic, the economic situation and unknown future. Moving your body more can take the edge off and leave you with a sense of contentment that the yogis call Santosha.  And this Santosha from one hour of mindful movement can last you a while.  Each person of course is different, maye you need a full 1 1/2 hours many times a week.  Schedule in that movement each week so the work of the hugs can continue.