Development of Psychological Well-being through the Interconnection of Breath, Body and Mind Among Yoga Trainees

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the development of psychological well-being among yoga trainees through a semi-structured in-depth interview approach. The yoga teachers serve as gatekeepers, facilitating researchers’ access to the key informants. The snowball sampling technique along with a psychological-wellbeing scale, was employed to select six yoga trainees who already achieved a state of psychological well-being. The results suggest that the development of psychological well-being development among yoga trainees consists of: 1. From the body into the mind: the yoga trainees begin to sense and be aware of their body parts through movements and breath, leading to a sense of lightness in the body and tranquility in the mind. 2. Fostering Endeavor through Tranquility and 3. Internalizing the World: Accumulated practice hours encourage practitioners to engage in self-reflection, aiding them in accepting both their physical body and mental selves. They gain awareness of their ability to manage diverse situations and seek novel experiences for continuous self-growth. Next, 4. (a) Self-understanding Promotes Empathy towards Others: Personal experiences from practice create profound connection with others. Additionally, 4. (b) Students Are A Significant Guru: Trainees find themselves in the dual roles of learners and teachers, as their growth transforms them into instructors receptive to new lessons, particularly from their own students. Lastly, 5. Processing through Diligent Practice: Diligent practice with trust and faith, propels trainees to increased awareness and wisdom. This stage reflects the discernment the trainees develop about their inner and outer worlds, marking yoga as a meaningful way of life that empowers them to regulate life on their terms.