By Gurudevi Nirmalananda

Physical tensions are not merely physical.

Even though many physical activities tighten and compress your spine, the things you do with your body are not the main problem. Your body is significantly more impacted by your thoughts.  

Absolutely every thought that goes through your mind affects your body. This is because your body is the outward expression of your mind. Your body is not separate from your mind — it is the tangible, physical expression of your mind.

Those tight spots exist in both your body and your mind simultaneously. Even the tight spots in your life are expressions of the same inner tensions, which arise from more subtle levels within. By learning how to live in your body in a new way, you can melt the tensions in all these levels at the same time.

Soften into the position you are currently in. Right now, relax the unnecessary tensions and allow your body to soften as though you were in Shavasana…

Excerpt from Yoga: Inside & Outside, pages 88‒89