Attain a Stable and Stress-Free Mind withthe Power OF Yoga

We all face stressful situations wherein we are forced to make a difficult decision and more often than not, we tend to make the wrong choice when we are not thinking straight. On other occasions, we feel like screaming our lungs out because we don’t understand why we are surrounded by all these problems. Either way there is no escape, you just have to pull it together and deal with the situation. It’s important that our mental state is balanced because an imbalanced mind is a very dangerous thing. But how do you attain a balanced and stable mind with so much stress and life problems to deal with? Well, the answer to your dilemma is Yoga.

(Pic courtesy: www.yogainthehimalayas.org)

Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that believes in the ultimate union of mind and our soul. It teaches people to release all negative thoughts and emotions out of their system with the help of Yoga. Each breathing technique and pose helps in bringing balance to our mind as well as the body. Many Yoga practitioners have felt the power of Yoga as it helps in emptying the mind from all clogged up thoughts and help them attain balance. It’s very important to silence all the chatter and conflict that’s going in our mind every now and then.

Yoga Is the Answer to a Stable Mind-Body Equation

(Pic courtesy: www.cornermag.com)

You cannot think straight unless and until you have got rid of all the junk in your head and Yoga helps you achieve the peace of mind that you crave. Start with some poses and stretches that will make you feel light and work on increasing your flexibility. You need to focus on bringing your best both physically as well as mentally. Breathing exercises are always effective in dealing with a disturbed mind. It will be difficult at first to just relax and focus on your breathing since your mind is so worked up, but eventually you will learn to slowly let go.

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One of Yoga’s philosophies state that nothing in this world belongs to us and trying to hold onto things will only lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety. Do not try to control situations that cannot be controlled and let things be. Asanas like Shavasana are quite effective in helping us let go and relax both body and mind. Lotus pose and Cobra pose are also effective in boosting good thoughts and dealing with stress. Yoga is also great in increasing concentration and focus which many lack, especially students.

(Pic courtesy: iyta.org)

The beauty of Yoga lies in the fact that people of all ages can practice it and benefit from it. Yoga will help you be a better individual for yourself and for people you care for. But this is possible only if you practice and honor the yogic traditions and teachings and take it seriously. Along with Yoga, indulge in healthy eating habits and avoid vices like drinking and smoking to lead a healthy and stable life. Remember that happiness and peace are not things that are just meant for a few people. Being happy is in your hand, you just have to make the right choices and commitments in life.

For more information visit the official website of ministry of Ayush: http://www.indianmedicine.nic.in/.

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Yoga & Faith

It’s said that faith can move mountains, and could it be true? Well, eternal optimists say yes, though there is no concrete evidence as such.

Faith varies in its definition from person to person, as it is very individualistic in nature. But for anything to work in our lives we need faith and faith in Yoga leads to not only a person’s overall well being but also helps one begin on the path of Moksha or salvation if one desires.

Moksha is spoken of in a spiritual manner and just like faith and everyone has their own definition of spirituality. Spiritual maturity doesn’t necessarily mean years of meditation. It just means a person is aware of every breath of life and tries to make the most of it for self and by helping others. Spiritual maturity simply means realizing that everything is transient hence people stay in the present without dwelling over what is done and without worrying about what is to come.

Pic courtesy: Thinking in Vedas

Instead of getting into the details of types of Yoga, let’s just say that the overall research proves one could reach on the highest peaks spiritually and even attain Moksha or salvation! For this, one needs to go through and then remain in a state of detachment. To realize and practice detachment we have to, once again, accept that everything in this world is transient hence detachment makes sense. Well, is that easy? Definitely not! 

That is where the realization that the soul is immortal matters. And once we realize that our souls are indestructible we definitely need to focus on our thoughts and deeds in human form. Purity of thoughts and selfless deeds is also a form of Yoga- Karma Yoga, this helps one to get onto the path of Moksha, and then to stay on this path, it is very important that one strives for peace in every manner.

In order to gain from this form of health science, one has to practice Yoga not only on the mat, but also off it. Only then can we say that it is not just a form of exercise but a way of life. Also we all know that no spiritual or practical aspect of our lives can begin without our having faith in what we want and what we do to achieve it. The same stands true for Yoga! A person could be practicing Asanas for hours and years, but may get very little results and declare that Yoga doesn't work. On the other hand one may practice Yoga for a limited one hour daily and gain a lot. The difference here would be that of faith. A believer will surely reap more benefits than a non believer from Yoga. ‘Keep the Faith’ does make sense!

Only if we have faith will we be able to reap manifold benefits. Without getting into the details of those benefits, we all know that practicing Yoga not only has physical but also mental and emotional health benefits, and all this put together could help a person mature spiritually as well. Having faith in what one wants or is doing brings more motivation and conviction to the goal or act and the achievement then becomes easier!

(Pic courtesy: beirutyogacenter.com)

There was a time when very few believed in Yoga but with the recent Yoga Day, going global and aptly being titled ‘International Yoga Day’, proves that this way of life is not limited to few cultures but its benefits are now being given a worldwide recognition!

Yoga> Physical-Mental-Emotional Health Benefits> Spiritual Maturity... it’s all in good faith.