Yoga: Move From the Inside Out – Connect to Your Organs & Core

Published March 19, 2026 02:26PM

The pursuit of wellness often feels at odds with mainstream fitness culture. While many discover solace in yoga’s holistic approach, a disconnect can emerge when comparing it to the goal-oriented, externally-focused world of gyms and performance metrics. This tension, explored in the archives of Yoga Journal dating back to 1975, highlights a fundamental difference in how we perceive the body – as a complex, interconnected system versus a machine to be optimized.

For decades, Yoga Journal has documented this evolving understanding, and a 1993 article, recently resurfaced in its archives, delves into the ways Western culture’s emphasis on external appearance and muscular strength can subtly undermine the deeper benefits of yoga. The article points out how easily we internalize societal ideals about health and fitness, even as we strive for balance and well-being through practices like yoga. It’s a reminder that true health isn’t simply about how we look, but about the harmonious functioning of our internal systems.

The Machine vs. The Ecosystem

The dominant Western view often reduces the body to a musculoskeletal system, fueled by protein and driven by the pursuit of sculpted muscles. This perspective, as highlighted in the Yoga Journal piece, is often amplified by the fitness industry, with targeted workouts focusing on isolated body parts. This reductionistic approach contrasts sharply with Eastern traditions like t’ai chi, which prioritize the flow of “chi” or life force energy throughout the body. The focus shifts from external form to internal experience.

This isn’t to say that muscular strength is unimportant, but rather that it’s only one piece of a much larger puzzle. The article emphasizes that a healthy liver, lungs, lymphatic system, and digestive organs are equally, if not more, crucial for overall well-being. After all, even the most impressive physique won’t sustain life if vital organs fail. This concept is echoed in modern somatic practices, which emphasize the interconnectedness of the body’s systems.

Moving From the Inside Out: A Shift in Awareness

The core argument presented in the Yoga Journal article centers on the idea of initiating movement from the internal organs rather than solely relying on muscular effort. Most practitioners, the author observes, visualize their bodies as a skeletal framework supported by muscles. While this isn’t incorrect, it’s incomplete. By cultivating awareness of the organs – the “inner contents” of the body – One can access a different quality of movement, one that is slower, more deliberate, and more deeply connected to our internal state.

This shift in perspective allows us to move from a place of inner opening and expansion, rather than being driven by external expectations or ideals. As Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, director of the School for Body-Mind Centering, describes it, organs are not just physical structures but also “primary habitats for our emotions, aspirations, and memories.” Core strengthening poses, when approached with this internal awareness, can become a powerful tool for self-discovery and emotional release.

Jathara Parivartanasana: A Practice in Internal Connection

The article highlights Jathara Parivartanasana (Revolved Belly Pose) as a particularly effective practice for cultivating this internal awareness. Revolved Belly Pose deeply massages the internal organs, and by focusing on the sensations within the abdomen during the pose, we can deepen its therapeutic benefits. The article provides detailed instructions for beginners, emphasizing the apply of props (pillows or folded blankets) to modify the pose and make it accessible to those with limited flexibility or back pain.

The practice involves lying on the back with bent knees, bringing awareness to the breath and scanning the torso for areas of tension or congestion. The key is to allow the abdomen to relax completely, resisting the urge to suck it in – a common habit that can hinder the flow of energy and impede organ function. The pose is then modified with props to support the knees and allow for a gentle twist, encouraging the release of tension and promoting healthy digestion.

Beginner’s Practice & Modifications

For those with a history of back pain, the article suggests using props to reduce the intensity of the twist. A more advanced variation involves straightening the legs and deepening the twist, but only if the lower back feels supported, and stable. Throughout all variations, the emphasis remains on cultivating internal awareness and allowing the organs to move freely.

The article also introduces a variation inspired by Thomas Hanna’s operate on Somatics, which involves rolling the shoulders and arms to initiate movement from the skeleton, allowing the organs to follow. This approach encourages a deeper understanding of the interplay between the outer container of the body (muscles and bones) and the inner contents (organs).

Beyond the Pose: Integrating Internal Awareness into Daily Life

The ultimate goal, as articulated in the Yoga Journal article, is to integrate this internal awareness into all aspects of life. By learning to listen to the voice of our inner perceptions, we can move beyond externally-referenced ideas of how we *should* feel or move and commence to trust our own innate wisdom. This shift in perspective can have a profound impact on our personal lives, our relationships, and our connection to the world around us.

The article concludes by emphasizing that every asana is an interplay between the inner and outer body, each influencing the other. By cultivating this awareness, we can move from our deepest selves with clarity and intention, creating a ripple effect of positive change in our lives and beyond. This practice isn’t just about physical postures; it’s about cultivating a deeper connection to our own internal landscape and recognizing the inherent wisdom within.

Further exploration of Body-Mind Centering principles can be found through the School for Body-Mind Centering: https://www.bodymindcentering.com/. For more information on somatic practices and their benefits, resources are available through the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute: https://www.somaticexperiencing.com/.