Archive for May 13th, 2009

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

When we consider the word “discipline,” we might think of the military or harsh training. Yoga may not come to mind, when considering the many faces of discipline. Yet, Yoga is a genuine discipline, which has evolved for thousands of years, and it qualifies this description for two reasons.

1. Yoga is an immense branch of knowledge.

2. Yoga will develop positive behavior through instruction and practice – especially in the art of training one’s mind.

When you listen to people talk, one of the most common complaints is a lack of respect for each other. This complaint is timeless, but it stems from the fact that people resist self-discipline. Who wants to be the keeper of him or herself?

Most of us would rather let someone else be the disciplinarian. To regulate manners, responsibility, and respect is a daunting task for anyone who supervises others. At the same time, rules and regulations tend to have a logical order. Who wants to be the example of a trained mind?

Humankind tends to overindulge in many different vices. Although we are proud to be considered intelligent, we have the ability to make poor and self-destructive choices. It seems the ingredient missing, in many of us, is self-discipline. There are many ways to train the mind, but Yoga may be the most compatible to humans.

A Yoga practitioner does not have to go through a harsh process in order to see changes from within. Moderation, in all things, is the key to unlocking our true potential as a species. However, a moderate lifestyle is quite a challenge because we tend to gravitate toward extremes.

As we know, extreme diets, environments, and challenges can be exciting experiences in the short term. If we can help it, we should avoid extremes. Extreme Yoga styles tend to be a short-term hobby for those who participate.

Extreme heat in a class, or an extreme athletic Yoga challenge, may be considered measurements of progress in the short-term, but over the years, experienced students may seek moderate styles. Yoga styles, which focus on healing, or balanced holistic development, will often attract students for life.

If we seek longevity, we are more likely to pursue a Yogic discipline, in which the objectives are balance, focus, and purpose. The results of long-term practice, in such a style are: improved physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. It takes much more than a quick insincere commitment to practice Yoga for life, but a lifetime of practice has many rewards.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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