We all get stressed on a daily basis, but the ocean can provide a beautiful quiet place to calm your mind and be totally present with yourself. It is a very similar effect to what you can achieve with yoga.
Diving has a lot more in common with yoga than you might think. If you live more in the present moment, diving can provide the relaxation you have been searching for.
And, as yoga combines breathing exercises (Pranayama) and physical postures (Asana), this is one of the strongest things they have in common.
As a scuba diver, we can achieve this meditative state of mind every time we go into the water.
There is a rule in the diving world: “Never hold your breath.” Because of this, in diving we are constantly focusing on breath. Steady and continuous breathing is a main diver and yogi state.
In yoga, it is very important that every inhalation and exhalation are in accordance with physical movements, because breathing is our main connection between the body and the mind.
With regular breathing practice, we allow our lungs to expand more fully, which is one of the best benefits for diving.
By inhaling and exhaling fully, the carbon dioxide in your lungs decreases in a significant way, helping you keep your breath steady and calm. If you do not exhale fully, carbon dioxide levels begin to rise and this can lead to panic underwater.
Yoga teaches you how to remain calm and refocus your mind, helping you deal with challenging situations, just as you do with heavy scuba gear, a new environment, and a completely different way of breathing underwater.
A diver who is relaxed in body, breath, and mind becomes one with the water.
The stillness of yoga allows you to let go and just be in the water.
The physical postures (Asana) practiced in yoga strengthen and stretch muscles that are important for diving.
Just like you learn to move gracefully in yoga from one posture to another, the same thing happens in the water. Your awareness should be fully on your movements, slow and gentle.
Explore the full training
Want to explore more about yoga for divers? Check out my training for calmer breathing, better mobility, and more confidence in the water.
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Happy Diving!
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