Remove Obstacles to Connection: How to Be Mindful of Your Thoughts
So this week we’re going to take a hard look at that busy mind of yours and your obstacles to connection. You know what I’m talking about—the endless chatter, the running commentary on everything you do, and the constant worry about stuff that hasn’t even happened yet. Don’t worry, we all do it. But if you’re serious about finding more peace, more connection, and actually feeling good in your own skin, you’re going to have to get a handle on that brain of yours.
It’s not just about bending and stretching your body in Yoga; we’ve got to tackle the headspace too. And if you think you can fix your life without sorting out the mental chaos, then you’re only getting half the benefit. So, let’s dive into how our thoughts (and the habits they create) can get in the way of true connection—and what you can do to get out of your own way.
How Your Thoughts Create Obstacles to Connection
Here’s the thing: Yoga teaches us that we are already whole, already connected. But how often do you feel like that? Probably not much. And a lot of that is down to the way we think. We spend so much time running after thoughts, stories, and worries, we forget how to be present. And when we’re not present, we’re not connected. Simple as that.
Have you ever noticed how quickly a single thought can change how you feel? Maybe you’re having a good day, but then you remember something embarrassing from years ago, or you start stressing about something you can’t control, and boom—there goes your good mood. That’s how powerful our thoughts are. They shape our reality.
Karma, Habits, and Mental Patterns
Now, I know you’ve probably heard the word “karma” thrown around a lot. But in Yoga, karma isn’t some cosmic punishment system. It’s much more practical than that. Karma is simply the result of your actions, thoughts, and behaviours—the habits you build up over time. If you’ve spent years worrying about the future, then you’ve trained your mind to always look for what’s wrong. And if you’re always focusing on what’s wrong, guess what? You’re going to feel disconnected, anxious, and stressed.
But here’s the good news: karma works both ways. The same way you’ve trained your mind to worry, you can train it to let go. You can break the cycle. This is where mindfulness comes in.
Mindfulness is Not Just a Buzzword
I know, I know—everyone and their dog is talking about mindfulness these days. But I’m not here to sell you some watered-down version of it. Mindfulness in Yoga is about being aware. It’s about noticing your thoughts and tendencies without getting swept away by them. Sounds simple, but it’s one of the hardest things to do—especially when your brain is used to jumping from one thing to the next like a hyperactive squirrel.
In our Yoga practice, mindfulness starts with the breath and body. We train ourselves to focus on how we’re moving, how we’re breathing, and how we’re feeling in the moment. And what happens when you focus on your breath? Your mind starts to quieten down. It’s like giving a toddler a toy to play with—it keeps the brain occupied so it doesn’t run off in all directions.
Once you’ve got that basic awareness in your practice, you can start applying it to your everyday life. When you catch yourself spiralling into negative thoughts, take a moment to pause and breathe. Ask yourself, “Is this thought helping me?” If it’s not, let it go. Sounds easy, but it takes practice. A lot of practice.
Break the Habit of Being Busy
One of the biggest obstacles to connection is busyness. I see it all the time. People fill their schedules to the brim, always on the go, thinking that if they’re not doing something productive, they’re wasting time. But here’s the truth: the more you run around, the less connected you are.
When we’re constantly in “doing” mode, we lose touch with ourselves. We stop noticing how we feel, how we’re moving, or what’s happening in the present moment. We become slaves to our thoughts—rushing from one task to the next without any real sense of awareness.
If you want to feel more connected, you’ve got to learn how to slow down. And I’m not saying you need to quit your job and move to a cabin in the woods (unless you really want to). But you do need to find space in your day to pause, reflect, and breathe. Start with five minutes. Sit quietly, focus on your breath, and just notice what’s happening in your mind. You’ll be amazed at how much calmer and clearer you feel after.
How Yoga Practice Clears the Obstacles to Connection
Now, you might be thinking, “How does a bit of stretching on a mat help me sort out my mind?” Well, it’s not just stretching. Yoga, when practised with awareness, is a training ground for the mind. Every time you step onto the mat, you’re practising mindfulness—whether you realise it or not.
As you move through each Asana (posture), you’re learning to focus on the present moment. You’re paying attention to your breath, noticing how your body feels, and tuning into your thoughts without getting caught up in them. This kind of practice helps create new habits—mental habits that focus on awareness and connection rather than stress and disconnection.
And here’s the thing: the more you practise on the mat, the more it starts to show up in your everyday life. You start catching yourself when you’re stressed. You notice when your mind is racing, and instead of getting sucked into it, you breathe, you pause, and you come back to the present moment. You start to identify the obstacles to connection, and let them go.
Let Go of What’s Holding You Back
To really connect with yourself, you’ve got to learn to let go of what no longer serves you. And a big part of that is letting go of old thought patterns, habits, and beliefs that are keeping you stuck. This is where Yoga can be a real game-changer.
Yoga teaches you to let go—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. When you’re in a challenging pose, and your mind is telling you to give up, you learn to breathe through it. You let go of the resistance, and in doing so, you create space for something new. The same applies to life off the mat. When you stop clinging to old stories, worries, and fears, you make space for connection, presence, and wholeness.
A Tool for Staying Mindful: The YL App
Now, I know life can get busy, and finding time to come to the studio might not always be easy. But that’s where the Yoga Local App comes in. Our app isn’t just for those of you who join us in person—it’s a pocket-sized, anytime, anywhere yoga studio and community. Whether you’re looking for a quick practice to calm the mind, a guided meditation to help you focus, or even just a place to connect with others on the same journey, the YL App has got you covered.
With the app, you can take Yoga with you wherever you go—whether it’s in your living room, your garden, or even on your lunch break. It’s a way to stay mindful, stay connected, and keep practising, no matter where life takes you. So, if you haven’t already, download the app and join the community. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Final Thoughts
Your thoughts are powerful, but they don’t have to control you. By practising mindfulness, both on and off the mat, you can start to clear the mental clutter, break old habits, and create space for true connection. It’s not easy, but with time and practice, you’ll start to feel more present, more grounded, and more in tune with yourself.
So, let’s keep practising—whether it’s here at Yoga Local, or on the YL App, or even just taking a mindful breath in the middle of your day. Remember, the key to connection starts with you—and the first step is simply being present.
See you soon!
Josie
