By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Within the training, practice, and scriptures of Yoga are many treasures for humankind. How many people completely understand the Yogic path toward a trained mind? How many students of Hatha Yoga call their practice a workout?

It is true that physical mastery will be realized through the practice of Hatha Yoga, but the mental benefits are usually not realized within an exercise class. If a student is not made aware of the true value of mental attention during practice, the mind training benefits will still trickle through. Let’s look at daily steps you can take to train, balance, and get the most out of your mind.

Within Hatha Yoga there are many aspects, which will improve your mind, but meditation is thought of as a chore by some students. The reason: People are not at peace with themselves. To be alone with oneself is sometimes seen as a prison sentence.

Instead, look at solitary time as a chance to meet an old friend. Meditation does not have to be a chore. You can read, write, pray, visualize, walk, or practice mantra while you meditate. Consider this: Meditation is a matter of constructively focusing the mind.

Meditation should never be something to worry about. Many beginner students of Hatha Yoga begin to judge themselves for not being able to concentrate. This is why so many Yoga teachers place meditation at the end of the lesson plan.

The teacher’s strategy is to let negative energy, stress, and tension out of the body by practicing asana, pranayama, mudra, mantra, and other methods. In this way student will fully experience the benefits of a complete Yoga practice.

To begin to train your mind, start with planning the next day on the night before. Make a list of what you will do on the following day. Please do not make this into a stressful thing. This does not have to be complicated.

Just a simple “to do” list with five to ten tasks for tomorrow, will be fine. Then, leave it where you sit at the kitchen table. In this way, you will separate yourself from those tasks, sleep easier, and avoid needless worrying.

Upon rising on the first morning, take the time to read, write, pray, visualize, walk, or practice mantra. Just one task will do for five to twenty minutes. If you want to go longer, that’s fine, but do not make it a chore.

This is the first of many days of practice toward training your mind for stability, balance, maximum output, and longevity. As you greet people, throughout your day, show them compassion, understanding, and listen to them.

Control your words. Do not participate in harmful, negative, or intolerant conversations. This practice alone is a challenge for most of humanity, but it is worth it. The fruits of your effort will be the cultivation of a focused and trained mind.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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