Archive for the ‘Yoga for Positive Thinking’ Category

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Yoga is a science of life. The quality of our lives is improved through Yoga practice. With that said, a Yogi is one who pursues a path of harmony, tolerance, peace, compassion, loving kindness, and the cultivation of positive energy. The path less traveled is indeed a difficult one.

It is easy to be swept up in the moment. The news media indicates these are the worst of times. Yet, it must be realized that bad news has never traveled faster than it does today. In an instant, we can become “Chicken Little.” Imagine being hit on the head with an acorn and believing that the sky is falling.

As children, we might laugh at this fable; but as adults, we easily “buy in” to bad news. Some adults wear bad news on their faces, and they envision life as a daily struggle, complete with traps and pitfalls around every corner. While it is true that we should be cautious in our actions, it is also true that we cannot sit down and enjoy a steady drone of sad events.

Most of us have come to the realization that the cultivation of positive energy is essential to having the best quality life. In Yoga, we cultivate vital energy through pranayama (Yogic breathing techniques). This is an excellent way to gather and store positive energy, as well.

Yet, the cultivation and storage of positive energy, within the mind, requires some additional techniques. One method is to focus on where you are and where you want to go. This may sound easy, but some Gurus will tell you this is their key to attainment.

One point you should not focus on is the one that will cloud your judgment. This will usually cause you to take your eyes off your objective. Our objectives should be realistic, and we should not place extreme pressure on ourselves to accomplish goals. All of the little things in life should be appreciated.

As an example of this: Attaining positive feelings requires quite a bit of mental focus, while attaining Samadhi is unusual. This does not mean that attaining Samadhi is impossible, but transcending into an advanced state of consciousness requires guidance, focus, study, and work.

Why should we make the journey into a competitive race? It’s human to want everything right now, but it is not realistic. Positive energy is abundant, and it is easy to cultivate it if we stop to enjoy our lives and appreciate those around us.

Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

How can Yoga give you the insight and vision to develop a life plan that is optimistic? What holds you back from opportunities? These questions become life riddles for those of us who lose our way during the journey of life. Let’s take an in-depth look at these two riddles and create a positive life plan for you.

1. How can Yoga give you the insight and vision to develop a life plan that is optimistic? The practice of Yoga was developed as a method of training the mind, body, and spirit. Once this is achieved, we can reduce suffering which occurs during the course of life.

Yoga is not magic. All forms of Yoga are maintenance systems for mental, spiritual, emotional and physical health. Once a practitioner has developed self-control, inner peace and balance, he or she is able to envision a life with purpose.

Having a life purpose is the foundation of optimism. As much as it may pain you, listen to a pessimist and you will see the opposite. Someone who is scornfully negative has no purpose other than to cast doubt on all ideas and solutions.

At this point, your first step is to carefully listen to others and look within. You will find inner vision and purpose. It is just a matter of realizing that advice is based upon opinions. You will not find a solution by listening to a pessimist because he or she is incapable of solving problems. After all, it is easier to criticize than it is to contribute.

2. What holds us back from opportunities? In a few words it is “lack of focus.” This is not to blame anyone for missed opportunities, but this happens every day to people around the world. If you know your life purpose you must have goals.

Once you recognize your purpose, and you have goals, your mindset is similar to an archeologist. If we walk through a national park, most people will not see what an archeologist sees because the archeologist’s eye is trained to recognize past history.

Your second step is to write down opportunities you missed and future opportunities you seek. Each of us finds what we expect to find in life. If we see life as a terrible ordeal, it is likely that our wish will be granted. If we see unlimited possibilities in life, there is a good chance we will be focused enough to recognize an opportunity when it arises.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul

Serenity and Prosperity

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Contrary to popular opinion, within different forms of Yoga, there are combined methods of meditation, mantra, and affirmation for prosperity.  The world could use some prosperity right now.  Should you become too prosperous, as a result of the following practices, you can always donate your surplus to the nearest charity.

There are a variety of mantras for prosperity.  For example: Bhakti Yoga practitioners may call upon Parameshwari (the Supreme sovereign Mother Goddess) for wealth, longevity, abundance, and everything we desire in life.  There is also the Ardas Bahee meditation, which is a combination of mantra and meditation performed by some Kundalini Yoga practitioners. 

There are also many more, but what if these practices collide with your religious beliefs?  You may not be comfortable calling upon a live or deceased Yoga Guru or a deity from a religion, with whom you are unfamiliar.  Whatever your religious belief, you have the power of prayer or affirmations.

For non-believers, the concept of prayer might not work for them, but the power of positive affirmations is still very significant.  To believe in one’s abilities to find answers and solutions is a primary step toward any form of empowerment.

For believers, from each of the world’s religions, the power of prayer is universal, and it is taken for granted that miracles happen on a daily basis.  If people collectively have similar prayers, mantras, or affirmations, this creates a massive rebounding wave in the Law of Attraction.

To avoid any religious conflicts, let’s take a look at affirmations.  The following are examples of short, and straight-to-the-point, positive affirmations, which are realistic.  One could repeat one of these positive affirmations as a preventative measure (to prevent negative thinking) or in times of need.

“I love life and accept prosperity unconditionally.”

“I am grateful for my family, friends, and all the prosperity I receive.”

“I become more prosperous each day.”

“Each day is filled with endless opportunities.”

You may be thinking, “My Yoga teacher never covers mantra or affirmations during class.  We basically focus on Yoga as an exercise.”  If this is the case, there is nothing stopping you from pursuing more knowledge.  Some Yoga classes focus only on asana (postures). 

The reason this happened is because some of the most valuable aspects of Yoga were not as popular as the physical exercises.  Past experiences may discourage teachers from discussing the benefits of pranayama, meditation, mantra, kriyas, mudras, bandhas, and so much more.  Now that you know the power of a trained mind, there are two ways to advance your practice.

1. Seek out a competent Hatha Yoga teacher, who will show you a path to control your mind.

2. Develop foundational Yogic training.  Then, immerse yourself in self-study and Yoga studies.  The search for truth is what Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge) is founded upon.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Think back to a time of no responsibility, with a wide-eyed view of life and reality. When we were kids, how many of my friends said, “When I grow up, I’m going to become a Yoga teacher?” If memory serves me right, the answer is: “None.”

Back in the 60’s, most of the kids, I knew, wanted to become astronauts, scientists, or the President of the United States. Times change, and each generation leaves its imprint, based upon the collective beliefs in true happiness and success.

Now, let’s fast forward to the present. Most of us were absorbed into the corporate world. Maybe some of us resisted joining “The Establishment,” for a while, but eventually most of us settled down to raise families and go to work.

Like our parents and grandparents, some of us worked for Fortune 500 companies, which would “take care of you for life.” We may have believed that myth, but economics, recessions, and lay offs, bring about a new reality.

It seems that economies expand and contract, approximately, every seven to ten years. Any sort of economic downturn can become a financial disaster for the individuals and families that are affected by it. How can anyone be happy, when they are unemployed?

Happiness is sometimes associated with our personal viewpoint of control. We wish to control our lives, but we have limits. So, what can you do to brace for the ebb and flow of changing economies? Whether we like it, or not, we are all “free agents.” Employers must do what is necessary to keep their companies alive.

For each of us, this means part-time employment, or part-time self-employment, doing something that will help your family make ends meet. This opens the door for many options, including becoming a Yoga instructor.

There has always been a belief in the “All or Nothing” theory. For example, some will tell you: “Become a full-time Yoga teacher, or don’t do it at all.” Firstly, most teachers of Yoga start out part-time. So, why listen to nonsense?

It takes time to establish yourself in any field. Why should anyone think he or she should take the plunge with “both feet first?” The most conservative way to start teaching Yoga sessions is by becoming an independent contactor or by teaching at a garage, loft, barn, or basement.

In this way, you are not taking any financial risks and you learn so much more by teaching. As a part-time Yoga teacher, you learn about people, ailments, and how not to waste your time or money. You will continue to educate yourself for life and you will find true happiness.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

In some Yogic circles, the word “success” is considered selfish. On top of that, the concept of manifesting success could create the type of personality that is only concerned with itself, and taking advantage of situations, to the exclusion of others.

Knowing this – why should Yoga practitioners be interested in the manifestation of success? Think about this: The polar opposite of success is failure. Should Yogis be interested in the manifestation of failure? Absolutely not; therefore, a Yoga practitioner should know how to avoid the manifestation of failure.

Within each of us is the power to envision and shape the world we live in. The power to create happiness is within you. Happiness is absolute success. Those, who inherently fear success, have chosen to manifest misery into their lives.

In life, we may find ourselves in situations, which we did not choose. At this time, humankind does not have the power to prevent natural disasters. A case could also be made that a more powerful vision, such as a collectively created war, can override our independent dreams of hope, success, and happiness.

Yet, we should never give up on making the world a better place. In Yoga classes, or in religious centers, we can manifest hope, success, and happiness in collective groups, as well. We can create healthy relationships with our families, friends, and associates.

There seems to be a misconception that success equals money. Pity those who believe it, because your most valuable assets are your relationships, your health, your intelligence, and the power to pray. If a person, in a position of power, worries about people becoming financially successful, what does that tell you?

In a nutshell, some world leaders are consumed with the fear of losing their power, which is most likely based upon money. They view the world as a “pie,” and they want the largest possible slice. They cannot see outside, or beyond, their vision of a limited slice of pie. This is an example of limited thinking.

In fact, the universe is full of unlimited opportunities. Our only problem is opening our eyes to see them. Sharing with others opens doors of kindness and unlimited opportunity. Yet, some people will do anything to avoid sharing. They see sharing as lost profit.

To avoid sharing with others is a loss of humanity. Within Yoga, there is one particular precept of social discipline (Yama), which we know as Aparigraha. The basis of Aparigraha is that we do not need to acquire more than we can use.

With that said, Yoga teaches us that the true manifestation of success is in the act of sharing.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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