by Shani Semachovich, Certified Ma Yoga® Instructor
A Personal Perspective from Israel
The past year in Israel has been one of the hardest we’ve known. A sudden war, sirens blaring in the middle of the night, and a constant sense of uncertainty. Every day feels different, and each moment brings a new surprise. In times like these, it’s challenging to find a moment of inner peace, and a sense of safety seems unattainable. For me, practicing yoga and other forms of body movement has become an anchor, a safe place to return to whenever the reality around me becomes too heavy to bear. I want to share with you how body practice can become a space for resilience, even in the shadow of war.
Seeking Stability Where There Is No Certainty
The reality of war reminds us that even the most stable things can change in an instant. When we don’t know what will happen tomorrow or even in an hour, our bodies respond with constant tension – shallow breathing, shoulders tensing up, and a rapid heartbeat. It is precisely in these moments that yoga practice allows us to find stability within our bodies. Poses like Warrior 1 (Virabhadrasana 1) and Warrior 2 invite us to draw strength from the earth, to feel the connection with the ground, and to remember that even if the situation outside is unstable, we can create a sense of grounding and security for ourselves.
Breathing as a Tool to Calm Fear
In war, fear becomes an integral part of daily life. Every siren, every piece of news, is a reminder of how everything can change. Long, deep breaths, as taught in pranayama in yoga, have become a central tool for me in dealing with this fear. When I breathe deeply, I remind myself to return to this moment, to be here and now, and not to let my thoughts race forward to the unknown future. Breathing is something we can control, and it gives us a renewed sense of control over our bodies and our inner state – even when the world outside is chaotic.
Relaxation as a Healer of Pain and Loss
War brings loss – loss of loved ones, loss of a sense of safety, and loss of life as we knew it. During times of mourning, yoga offers us a space where we can allow ourselves to feel everything without suppression. Savasana – the relaxation pose at the end of practice – has become, for me, a tool of healing. The invitation to be in stillness, to let the body lie on the mat and release all tension, is a moment where we can process all that we are going through, allow tears to flow if needed, and let the mind rest and recover.
A Sense of Connection Instead of Separation
One of the hardest things about war is the feeling of loneliness – the sense that we are alone with our
pain, fears, and worries. But practicing yoga in a group allows for a sense of connection, even in times like these. When we gather to practice together, even without words, there is great power in people sharing the same space. We breathe together, move together, and create a community of mutual support. In a war, where each person deals with the hardship in their own way, these moments of shared practice provide a sense of comfort and belonging.
From Practice in Israel to Readers all around the world
I am writing this blog from Israel, from the difficult reality we have been living in this past year. But I also know that although the war in Israel may not be familiar to many readers, feelings of anxiety, sadness, and loss are universal. Each of us has experienced moments when the reality around us seemed chaotic and uncontrollable – whether during a global pandemic, personal crises, or economic uncertainty. Yoga, body practice, and mindful breathing are tools that can provide us with a place to find inner peace and tranquility. They remind us that even when many things are out of our control, we still have the ability to choose how we respond, how we breathe, and how we deal with the present moment. In my eyes, this is true resilience – the ability to return to ourselves, to our bodies, and find quiet within, even when there is noise outside.
Practice as an Invitation to a Shared Experience
I invite you, the readers, to dedicate some time to practice with your body – whether it’s yoga, running, mindful walking, or any other movement that connects you to your breath and the present moment. In an unpredictable reality, body practice becomes an anchor, a source of calm and security that we can carry with us everywhere. This is an experience we can all share, regardless of where we live or our political reality.
Shani Semach
Israel
