One of the most joyous aspects of practicing yoga is that once class begins, all talking stops. There is no verbal interaction. All personalities - A-type, introverts, extroverts or otherwise - exist within quiet.

This can bring so much discomfort to certain individuals that you're almost sure they'd rather listen to Bon Jovi's entire record collection at full volume than actually observe quiet for an hour or more.

And it's been my observation that it's only getting worse.

The proliferation of gadgets, games and gizmos that cater to (and foster) instant gratification, along with an attention span so short it barely even starts, is creating a world in which internalizing is becoming as ancient as the first iphone.

Quieting the mind and mouth to go on a journey inward is not only a lofty goal, it's a daunting one.        But the benefits of doing so are profound.  

It's possible that people have never been more afraid of quiet.

Yet, we need it more than ever. The brain-buzzing is moving us further away from an understanding of the body, the mind, and all of the beautifully subtle distinctions that can be observed within our physical, mental and emotional makeup.

A yoga practice can cultivate our personal landscape.