This paper explores how yoga could enrich the field of positive psychology. The author briefly defines positive psychology and yoga and addresses their shared aims.
The paper critically views recent studies on yoga within psychology, touching on general findings, following by an investigation of the distinct benefits of yoga related to positive psychology. After that, the continued need for further research to recognise untapped opportunities within the yogic tradition, beyond the benefits of physical postures (asana), is discussed. The author concludes that a spiritual development might indeed be sparked through the present approach to yoga in the west.
Since the early days of Western psychology, at the beginning of the 20th century, the science of the soul has been drawn to Eastern traditions. Since then, interest in Eastern traditions, especially in yoga, has increased exponentially. Today, over 37 million people practice yoga in the US and 0.5 million in the UK alone in order to cultivate aspects of physiological and psychological wellbeing. Within psychology, interest in wellbeing concepts marked the beginnings of positive psychology. The "science and practice of improving wellbeing" has started to investigate the benefits of yoga.
Yoga and positive psychology share this strong interest in increased wellbeing. Within positive psychology, this encompasses optimal functioning, self-actualisation, and flourishing, referring to the condition of our existence we wish to experience and the aim of our quest. In yoga, the idea of cultivating overall psychological wellbeing is very much in line with the notion of positive psychology, which vouches for an approach that welcomes all emotions.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- How could yoga enrich the field of positive psychology?
- Looking at the definitions and aims of positive psychology and yoga
- Yoga and positive psychology share this strong interest in increased wellbeing.
- Patanjali's Raja Yoga is one of the most popular forms of yoga in the West, along with Hatha.
- So far, the research has primarily been deficit-oriented—focusing on the therapeutic effects of yoga.
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The essay explores how yoga could enrich the field of positive psychology, while making a case for a consideration of spiritual aspects in the research. It aims to demonstrate the potential of yoga in enhancing wellbeing by exploring its historical context and its connection to positive psychology's core values. The essay critically examines existing studies on yoga within psychology and highlights the need for further research to recognize the full potential of the yogic tradition, particularly in the realm of spirituality, meaning, and self-transcendence.
- The potential of yoga to enrich positive psychology
- Shared aims between positive psychology and yoga in promoting wellbeing
- The importance of spiritual aspects within yoga
- The discrepancy between the Western understanding of yoga and its original roots
- The need for further research to explore yoga's untapped potential
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Chapter 1: This chapter introduces the essay's central theme and provides a historical context for the relationship between Western psychology and Eastern traditions, particularly yoga. It highlights the growing interest in yoga for its benefits in physical and psychological wellbeing and examines the potential intersection between yoga and positive psychology. The chapter also outlines the essay's structure and approach, focusing on the definitions and aims of both fields, the shared interest in wellbeing, and the need to explore spiritual aspects of yoga.
- Chapter 2: This chapter delves into the definitions and aims of both positive psychology and yoga, emphasizing their shared focus on improving wellbeing and promoting optimal human functioning. It explores the key concepts of yoga, including the eight-fold path, and their potential relevance to positive psychology. The chapter further discusses the historical roots of yoga and the various forms of yoga, highlighting their unique approaches to achieving self-transcendence and liberation.
- Chapter 3: This chapter investigates the Western understanding of yoga, particularly its emphasis on asana practice, and compares it to the original yogic traditions. It discusses the potential benefits of yoga beyond physical exercise, highlighting its potential to promote mental and spiritual wellbeing. The chapter also examines the limitations of current research on yoga and its focus on therapeutic benefits, arguing for the need to explore the deeper spiritual aspects of yoga within positive psychology.
- Chapter 4: This chapter provides a critical analysis of the current research on yoga within psychology, highlighting its focus on therapeutic applications and the potential limitations of this approach. It discusses the benefits of yoga in addressing various psychological conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and stress. The chapter also explores the limited research on the spiritual and positive aspects of yoga and advocates for further research in these areas.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Positive psychology, yoga, wellbeing, spirituality, self-transcendence, meaning, purpose, flourishing, eight-fold path, asana, meditation, mindfulness, research, therapeutic applications, psychological wellbeing, subjective wellbeing, eudaimonia, hedonia, ancient traditions, Eastern philosophy, Western psychology, ancient wisdom, consciousness.
- Quote paper
- Charlotte Friedrich (Author), 2018, Can yoga improve one’s well-being? Shared aims of psychology and yoga, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/489481
