Namaste Squall,
I have been busy with other projects and apologize that you have not had a response to your inquiry until now.
Stress is the #1 cause of all illness and pain, whether physical, mental or spiritual. By learning to manage our stress responses we affect our capacity to be healthy and productive, making choices which suit our desire to grow in the direction we want, rather than acting from a responsive, defensive posture. Stress reduction, breath retraining and learning to uncover habitual patterns of tension in our muscles are the arena in which I work as a massage therapist and yoga instructor. Your goals are powerful allies to actualizing your highest potential.
I would recommend that you consider finding someone who can assist you to enter the practices which you are drawn to. Yoga does not have to include asana practice, and can be Karma Yoga - based upon one’s relationship to actions one takes, Bhakti Yoga - expressive of the love one has for Life, God, - often associated with Mantra or Chanting, Jnana Yoga - a yoga of inquiry and Raja Yoga - Yoga of Meditation. All of these paths may choose to incorporate Asana because the body is the storehouse of our mental impressions and can reflect the scattered, unstable qualities of our overactive minds. Yogasana can serve to soothe and calm the body, as well as to prepare the joints for extended periods of stillness of Meditation.
I would recommend that you find a teacher who can instruct you about proper use of the breath to relax the body but maintain mental focus, About the proper use of mental focus in meditation and can assist you with the questions which will invariably occur. Both Yoga Centers and Buddhist Centers may be able to offer this to you. It is very helpful to have a mentor to illuminate the path for you.
Blessings,
Chandra
