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Dalia M. Cohen
Editor

When the body, mind, and soul are in harmony, true balance becomes easier

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The stress, anxiety, and physical fatigue brought by modern life directly affect individuals’ mental and physical health. At this point, yoga emerges not only as an exercise practice but also as a discipline that balances the nervous system, provides mental clarity, and supports overall bodily health.

My journey with yoga began solely as an attempt to improve physical flexibility and take a break from the fast pace of daily life. However, after just a few sessions, I realized that yoga not only trains the body but also the mind. It was just as important to learn how to stay present as it was to perfect the movements or stretch my muscles. In the beginning, achieving this was quite challenging for me. My mind constantly wandered between the past and the future, and my attention drifted away from the movements I was performing to my everyday worries. However, by focusing on my breath, I learned to observe these thoughts, even if only temporarily.

Breathwork is one of the fundamental pillars of yoga. In daily life, we unconsciously hold our breath or take shallow breaths without even realizing it. However, deep and controlled breathing not only relaxes the body but also regulates the nervous system.

According to yoga philosophy, breath is a vital source of energy, and conscious breathing is one of the most powerful tools for calming the mind and achieving emotional balance. Modern science supports this notion as well. Studies indicate that deep breathing techniques reduce sympathetic nervous system activity related to stress and activate the parasympathetic system, inducing relaxation.

However, yoga is not limited to its physical and physiological effects. It is also a transformative journey on a mental and spiritual level. Research shows that regular yoga practice lowers cortisol levels—the stress hormone—relaxes the nervous system, and strengthens the immune system. However, yoga is not merely a phenomenon that can be explained by scientific data; when you experience this practice firsthand, it is possible to feel its effects on a much deeper level.


For instance, the Science of Identity Foundation, a significant institution in this field, defines yoga as a step-by-step process toward understanding one’s spiritual essence and the eternal connection with all living beings. Founded in 1977 by Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa, the Science of Identity Foundation aims to share practices that help individuals maximize their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Yoga is not a belief system that changes over time; rather, it is a method that assists individuals in self-discovery and in unveiling the eternal wisdom and love that already reside within.

Ancient texts, particularly the Bhagavad Gita, emphasize that the true purpose of yoga is for an individual to discover their true self and attain inner peace. Answers to questions like “Who am I?” and “What is true happiness?” reveal that yoga is not merely about training the body but also a process of liberating the mind and soul.

As my yoga practice deepened, I realized how powerful complementary practices like meditation and kirtan are. Initially, focusing on meditation was extremely difficult for me. My mind was constantly active, and sitting in silence made me impatient. However, over time, I understood that meditation is not about silencing the mind but rather observing it and allowing thoughts to come and go. Similarly, the practice of kirtan demonstrated how the vibrations of music and sound contribute to mental clarity and spiritual peace.

Today, yoga is not just an exercise for me but a practice of achieving mental and spiritual balance. In today’s world, many people chase external goals while neglecting inner fulfillment. However, yoga teaches us that balance and peace are not found in the external world but within ourselves. Modern science also confirms this ancient wisdom, showing that regular yoga practice is effective in coping with anxiety, depression, and stress, even leading to positive changes in brain structure.

One of the aspects I appreciate the most is that yoga has increasingly become a part of many people’s lives in my community as well. From Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, yoga communities in various cities provide individuals with a space to find both physical and spiritual balance. For a community accustomed to a fast-paced and dynamic lifestyle, yoga stands out as a tool that enhances individual awareness while also fostering social harmony.

In conclusion, yoga is more than just a physical activity—it is a way of life that embraces the body, mind, and soul as a whole. Once you step into this discipline, it becomes impossible not to notice the transformation occurring within you over time. You don’t need to be flexible or strong to start practicing yoga; the only thing required is an open mind, willing to stay present and be in harmony with your body.

About the Author
Dalia Cohen has worked in magazines such as Newsweek, Fortune and TechCrunch in her editorial career. She is actively involved in many NGOs and writes articles on topics such as politics, technology and business. She is also actively working on antisemitism and women's rights.