Mindfulness and Yoga in Schools A Guide for Teachers and Practitioners

188 • Part III: YOGa FOr EDUCatING FOr SELF-rEGULatION aND ENGaGEMENt CHaPtEr 9: YOGa aS EMBODIED SELF-rEGULatION aND ENGaGEMENt • 189

with which we interact (Anderson & Sovik, 2000; Cook-Cottone, 2015; Strauss, 2005).
The yogic view of self is one of the root underpinnings of the mindful and yogic self as an
effective learner (MY-SEL) model (see Figure 1.3). Successful self-regulation and academic
engagement is contingent on the ability to live capably in both domains (Anderson & Sovik,
2000; Cook-Cottone, 2015; Gard et al., 2014). Accordingly, the term yoga is derived from the
Sanskrit verb yuj, which means to join or unite (Anderson & Sovik, 2000; Cook-Cottone,
2015; Flynn, 2013; Iyengar, 1996; Strauss, 2005). The essential goals of traditional yoga
involve these three aspects: (a) integration of the inner experience, (b) attunement with the
outer experience, and (c) embodiment and expression of the best version of ourselves (see
Figure 9.1). As you read about the different types and schools of yoga, you will see that
although they vary in content and process, they all hold to these three major foci.
The definition of yoga also answers the question, “How does yoga work?” Flynn
(2013) explains that yoga is a system of connecting mind, body, and spirit (derived from
the Greek word spirare, meaning “to breathe”; p. 14). Flynn (2013) says that you can think
of yoga as the union and integration of mind, body, and breath. The practice of postures
strengthens, stretches, and relaxes the body (Flynn, 2013). The focus on the breath during
practice brings the body and mind into balance (Flynn, 2013). Yoga practice helps students
develop self-awareness and create attunement within the context of their external experi-
ences (Anderson & Sovik, 2000; Cook-Cottone, 2015). Over time, the practice helps students
develop an internal mind and body connection (Flynn, 2103). With this connection, students
can counteract the effects of stress and come to a more centered place (Flynn, 2013). The
evidence related to the benefits is growing—findings in the field of neuroscience support
the use of yoga to foster a healthy, natural balance and integration of the mind–brain system
( Cook-Cottone, 2015; Harper, 2013; Simpkins & Simpkins, 2011).
The way we practice yoga today is informed by knowledge passed down through
oral transmission through the ages, ancient texts, modern books, and lineages of yoga
masters (i.e.,  gurus) to yoga students (Stephens, 2010). The tradition of yoga is that true
knowledge must be gained through one’s own experience (Anderson & Sovik, 2000; Cook-
Cottone,  2015). Traditionally, it is believed that yoga practices work like a mirror (Cook-
Cottone, 2015).  Yoga is a tool for examining yourself directly (Anderson & Sovik, 2000;

EXTERNAL

Family,

Community,

and Culture

INTERNAL

Thoughts, Feelings,

and Body

♦ Integration of

inner experience

♦ Attunement

with outer

experience

♦ Embodiment

of the best

version of self

FIGUrE 9.1 The essential goals of yoga.