Through yoga and meditation, I am finally truly understanding that everything is constantly changing and nothing is forever. But what exactly is accepting and dealing with change and what does it look like? Just like the waves are always moving, growing, evolving and changing whilst remaining part of their greater whole, then so are we. And so are our thoughts and feelings. Accepting and dealing with change doesn’t have to be terrifying if we understand ourselves better. Yoga and meditation are useful tools to help us get there. Just as the waves rise and fall, or our emotions rise and fall then so does each breath. Whilst constantly changing, it can also serve as an anchor.

As a very simple summary, accepting and dealing with change is about accepting and dealing with our emotions. I mentioned in my previous blog that change activates our worst-case scenario thinking. If we can view these thoughts as simply that “just thoughts” and let them go then we are less likely to be consumed by them. As Andy nicely describes in his Headspace app, imagine your thoughts to be cars hurtling down the motorway. You wouldn’t run out to stop the cars would you? No, you’d just let them go without judging them.

How does Yoga and Meditation affect the brain?

There are an increasing number of studies to try to understand how yoga impacts the brain. Research is ongoing but it seems that yoga increases gyrification, the folding of the cerebral cortex. These folds increase the brain’s surface area such that a greater number of neurons can be fired. This leads to increased cognitive functionality, including memory (Joice et al, 2018) and consciousness. The folds in the cortex positively impact functions such as empathy, perception, self-awareness and interpersonal experience (SpinalCord). Of course, some of these changes could also be due to genetics. Whilst the details of the causes and effect of yoga are still being debated in scientific fields, it is undeniable that there is a positive impact (Gaseer et al, 2012). 

All these changes in the brain mean that, with practice, it becomes increasingly easier to connect with ourselves and more self-aware. The more we quieten the mind through yoga, the more we are connected to our own consciousness and to others around us. We are no longer governed by our thoughts and emotions. Instead we can watch them with curiosity. Individuals will no longer associate with their memories and thoughts but start seeing the reality of a collective consciousness where everything is one and nothing is separate.

The west has always fixated on the limitations of the physical body and mind but nothing proves that consciousness is limited to the individual, as Indian philosophy describes (Schellenbach, 2018). The basis of yoga in fact comes from what is known as duality. Without the mortal, there can be no immortal and becoming whole cannot be done without understanding one’s brokenness. The goal is therefore to overcome attachment to the physical world, or that which can be seen, and identify with the spiritual, or non-physical divinity (Walker, 2011). 

And for some tips for accepting and dealing with change…

So what does this all mean from a practical viewpoint?

1- Meditation. The more we can sit down with ourselves and watch our minds then the more we will become at ease with the constant flow of thoughts and emotions.

2- Yoga. As mentioned, our minds and bodies become more connected and calmer. We are in the present and think less about what might happen in the future.

3- Reframing. Being able to view your thoughts and emotions without judgement through mediation, makes it easier to reframe them. For all those ‘what ifs’ scenarios your brain creates, can you flip them round into a positive story?

4- Be true to your values. Change is unsettling. The more you are aligned to your values and what you believe is important in life, the more likely you are able to deal with uncertainty and risk. You are being true to yourself and that’s what makes us happy.

5- Gratitude & Funny things. From positive psychology, make a list of 5 things you are grateful for and at least 3 things that were amusing or interesting that day. This will help you view the world in a more positive light.