Yoga circles often refer to quieting the mind, silencing our thoughts etc., and the reply is often “I don’t know how”. That’s completely understandable because we are human and even for the most relaxed among us our lives are still busy leading to an active mind, or an anxious mind. When your yoga instructor cues to allow your mind to relax, calm or empty, we are actually inviting you to be present with your body in this moment in time.
Imagine it this way, if I’m in a yoga class I can’t work on my child’s costume for the play. I can’t write the report due Monday. I can’t clean the kitchen and I can’t unsay or unhear a harsh word in a conversation with someone I love. Many of these of worries will surface at the beginning of our silence and stillness in our practice. We shouldn’t feel guilty for these thoughts intruding, because they are a part of us, and so they should be treated with care and compassion, just like we should treat our whole selves. However, sitting on our mat is not the time or place for addressing them because we aren’t actually capable of doing anything for them in the now. Now is the time for peace and space. Acknowledge the thought and invite it to return at the end of our practice if it can be dealt with then.
Constructive down time in mindful movement gives the body something to do that the conscious mind has to focus on. Giving our mind and body down time on our mat, on our walk or even when we are preparing a meal actually gives our subconscious mind the room to unpack these thoughts, play with the facts and create novel solutions. When we momentarily walk away, inspiration can step in.