Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, Director of Yoga Teacher Training at Aura Wellness Center speaks to you about an upcoming video series on the Mudras and their effects on individuals.

By Dr. Rita Khanna

Stress is an imbalance at the mental, physical, or emotional level. According to Yoga, one becomes a victim of stress, not on account of a stressful situation, but on account of one’s inability to cope with a changing condition. Stress hazards decrease the quality of life and can lead to many ailments, such as heart attacks, peptic ulcers, arthritis, allergies, sexual problems, bowel disorders, and so on.

There are two types of stress: Eustress (healthy, essential stress) and Distress (morbid stress); e.g. mental or physical strain, anger, frustration, tension. Irrespective of the cause, the effects of stress are seen at the highest level in the brain, and travel down the body, causing imbalances in the autonomic nervous system and in the endocrine system. Four distinct stress attack stages, or phases, are recognized: Psychic, Psychosomatic, Somatic, and Organic.

HOW TO COPE WITH IT

We need to develop, and enhance, our potential and capacity, to cope with the situation. It can be achieved by making attitudinal changes and other modifications in life. Change in attitude and modification of lifestyle are the two pillars on which the management of stress, through Yoga, is based. This includes Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation, Yoga-nidra, Diet, and a daily work schedule. It actually means living a self-disciplined life of Anasakti (non-attachment).

Anasakti is the middle path of Asakti (attachment) and Vairagya (detachment), which could be followed, in order to improve the quality of life and social well-being. This provides lasting happiness and peace, without being disturbed by Asakti (attachment). A person high in Anasakti, performs all his duties and acts, with a sense of responsibility and task involvement, without any additional expectation. He performs a task or serves a person, or institution, in the spirit of a Karma Yogi. Living in an air-conditioned house, with modern amenities, or in a mud house, on a mat, does not make any difference to him; and no stressful situation will harm or affect him.

THE YOGIC APPROACH

The Yogic approach towards stress is not to deal with the manifest symptoms, such as fear, anger, palpitation, sleeplessness, etc; but rather eliminate the root cause. Yoga balances, harmonizes, and brings integration between physical and mental health. Yogic methods of stress management include – maintaining the physical body through the practice of Asana, awakening the vital energy through Pranayama, and relaxation through Meditation and Yoga-nidra.

 ASANAS

The definition of Asana, in traditional texts, is ‘Sthiram Sukham Asanam’. The word Sthiram means homeostasis or balance; Sukham means pleasure, and Asanam means physical posture. It is the posture that produces homeostasis in the system – restores endocrinal balance, balances the inhibitors and stimulator circuits, regulates secretions, and optimizes the functions of the entire system of the body. ‘Sukham’ also relates to the state of mind, which is relaxed. Muscles contain stretch receptors; the stretching movements of Asanas send relaxing impulses to the brain, which induce a relaxed state of mind.

HOW

When we stand, sit, or lie down, for prolonged periods, our muscles accumulate stress, and consequently, lactic acid, which causes a feeling of stiffness. To remove this stiffness – when we do Asanas with concentration and awareness, they activate tone and revitalize the organs, massage the joints, stretch and relax the muscles, optimize endocrine gland secretions, develop stamina, and promote internal awareness. The practice of simple Asanas, such as Tadasana, Tiryaka Tadasana, Kati Chakrasana, and flexibility exercises are very useful. They improve blood circulation, and as a result, toxins are drained away.

PRANAYAMA

Pranayama is generally defined as breath control. The word Pranayama is comprised of two roots: ‘Prana’ plus ‘Ayama’. Prana means ‘vital force’ or ‘life force,’ and Ayama is defined as ‘extension’ or ‘expansion’. Thus, the word Pranayama means ‘extension or expansion of the dimension of Prana’. The techniques of Pranayama provide the method, whereby flow of Prana, in the Nadis, is regulated, activated, and purified – inducing physical and mental stability.

HOW

Physical activities, such as exercise, work, sleep, intake of food, and sexual relations, all affect the distribution and flow of Prana in the body. Faculties of mind, such as emotion, thought, and imagination affect the Pranic body even more. Irregularities in lifestyle, dietary indiscretions, and stress, deplete and obstruct the Pranic flow. This results in what people experience as being drained of energy. Depletion of energy, in a particular Prana, leads to the devitalization of the organs and limbs, which Prana governs, and ultimately, to disease or metabolic dysfunction. The techniques of Pranayama reverse this process, energizing and balancing the different Pranas, within the Pranamaya Kosha.

RELAXATION AND CONCENTRATION THROUGH YOGA-NIDRA

One of the prime needs of today is to learn to relax. Sleep is not relaxation. Yoga nidra has the capacity to induce deep sleep in only twenty minutes. In Yoga nidra the experience of relaxation means moving from outside to inside, becoming aware of this introversion, and maintaining balance and stability. When we sleep consciously, then we become aware of how the mind and consciousness are interacting with the body, senses, and objects. When we attain this awareness, then existing turbulences and distractions will settle down in a natural way. Relaxing the disturbed, agitated mind can be achieved through the relaxation practice of Yoga -nidra.

FOOD

On the basis of thousands of years of experience, Yogis are emphatic on the point that non-vegetarian foods cause increasing tension in the body and mind. Rather, pure foods – such as fruits, milk and milk products, nuts, cereals, vegetables, and others, are more harmonious to the body and mind. An occasional fast on fruit diet, or a raw food diet, is also beneficial. These have proven very helpful in relaxing the body and recharging it with fresh Pranic energy.

EATING UNDER STRESS

A person under stress is normally rushed for time or tends to eat fast. His eating habits, and timings, become haphazard. As the stressful situation builds up tension within, his eating schedule gradually gets into disarray, till it is completely thrown out of gear. Therefore, eating under stress can create several complications – adding further to the burden of stress, which the body-mind complex is already bracing against.

A lackadaisical attitude to eating may starve the body of essential nutrition. Killing hunger with coffee, tea, cigarettes, or other substitutes is not a solution to the problem, but may actually contribute to it.

TRY VISUALIZATION

While eating, try to follow the ‘processes’ the food undergoes, until it reaches the stomach. When you are chewing, visualize how the taste buds convey the different tastes, via the taste ducts, to the brain; how, even before the food is served, your nose has already conveyed the aroma of the food, and how your mouth begins to salivate at the mere hint of the aroma. Visualize the chewing process, the mixing of the chewed food with your saliva, the smooth movement down the throat, after your tongue expertly pushes parts of the mouthful inside.

With a little knowledge of physiology, you can make a wonderful ‘odyssey’ down the stomach. It is only when we take such diverse perspectives in life, that we are able to be aware of the richness of life around us. We become aware that eating is not mere polishing off of the plate, or that cooking is mere adding salt and spices. We also realize that stress is partly due to our own inability to look at the world through a broader perspective.

CONCLUSION

Do not fight stress; and in the effort, fall prey to alcohol, cigarettes, or anxiolytic drugs. Instead, develop and enhance your potential, and capacity, to cope with stress. Anxiolytic/antidepressant drugs do not bring lasting relief; they only help manage some of the somatic and organic phase symptoms of stress – while Yoga is most useful in controlling and treating stress in the early psychic and psychosomatic phases.

The effect of Yoga is never evident immediately; in effect, it is experienced slowly. Slowly, one will start to experience that one’s power of concentration, and relaxation, has increased. The mental and emotional tensions, which are generated in day-to-day life, slowly start settling down.

Short sessions, of twenty minutes each – after one’s bath in the morning, in the afternoon, and at bedtime – can be devoted to Yoga practice. Learn to alter your attitude and lifestyle. Practice Asana, Pranayama, and Yoga- nidra regularly, to bring about a change in attitude, and to correct imbalances at the mental, physical, and emotional levels.

AUM SHANTI

If you feel inspired by this article, feel free to publish it in your Newsletter or on your Website. Our humble request is to please include the Resource as follows: -

Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna’s Yogashaastra Studio.

A popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health.

Mobile: + 919849772485

Ph:-91-40-65173344

Email: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Website: www.yogashaastra.in

Dr. Rita Khanna

Dr. Rita Khanna is a well-known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into this discipline over 25 years ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh (India).

She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process, which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life. She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has been successfully practicing these therapies and providing succour to several chronic and terminally ill patients through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy. She is also imparting Yoga Teachers Training.

At present, Dr. Rita Khanna is running a Yoga Studio in Secunderabad (Hyderabad, India).

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Yoga techniques, such as pranayama, asana, and meditation practice have been proven to reduce stress levels. High stress levels and chronic states of anxiety or panic cause many problems. Although we may think about heart and blood pressure problems first, cancer rates increase, within high stress environments.

According to the National Cancer Institute, “Studies have indicated that stress can affect tumor growth and spread, but the precise biological mechanisms underlying these effects are not well understood. Scientists have suggested that the effects of stress on the immune system may, in turn, affect the growth of some tumors (1). However, recent research, using animal models, indicates that the body’s release of stress hormones can affect cancer cell functions directly (2).”

Over the past 30 years, in various studies with animals and humans, chronic stress has been a major factor in cancer statistics. On top of the clinical information about the increased production of stress-related hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, there is behavior that results from working, or living, with constant anxiety.

Some of these behaviors would be self destructive; to name a few – smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use, and abusive behavior patterns. One under-rated form of abusive behavior is obesity. There are many reasons why stress contributes to obesity. For example: Some people tend to over eat when they are nervous or feel depressed.

All of the above-mentioned problems can be overcome by regular Yoga practice. Yoga, of all kinds, reduces stress levels and helps practitioners develop a sense of self-worth. Yoga styles vary in their emphasis on the following four planes of existence: mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Some styles do not address all four planes of existence.

One good example would be a Yoga class that is more or less a stretch session. In this type of class, students would initially reap the benefits of releasing tension and stress within muscles and joints. Over the long haul, these same students should feel mental benefits. As the body becomes relaxed, the mind is soon to follow.

If a student chose a more meditative style, the mind will become calmer and more focused, while emotional or spiritual benefits follow. Depending on a person’s personality, lifestyle, perspective, and awareness level, one style of Yoga will draw that person more than any other.

The objective is to find the best style to match the individual’s needs. In this way, stress will be reduced gradually. It is not very popular to say, “With steady practice…” However, it should be realized that there are no quick solutions to reducing high stress levels – other than prescriptions. Therefore, prescriptions have become the most popular solution.

Resources:

1. Andersen BL, Farrar WB, Golden-Kreutz D, et al. Stress and immune responses after surgical treatment for regional breast cancer. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 1998; 90(1):30–36.

2. Thaker PH, Han LY, Kamat AA, et al. Chronic stress promotes tumor growth and angiogenesis in a mouse model of ovarian carcinoma. Nature Medicine 2006; 12(8):939–944.

© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

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 Dr. Rita Khanna

For the ladies, the time of entering their mid-forties is not always comfortable. In the middle years, some will find there is something amiss in their previously active lives. Children are grown up and would have left home to pursue their careers. In some cases, life partners may have left. Physically and mentally, they undergo many changes and confront a number of other health-related issues, such as aging, the passage through menopause, possible physiological imbalances from years of poor lifestyle habits, and specific physical symptoms related to frustrations at a deeper level. We are going to discuss menopause problems in this article.

MENOPAUSE

Menopause is a normal biological event, which occurs in every woman’s life, when the ovaries stop producing eggs and begin to secrete significantly lesser hormones, estrogen, and progesterone. Estrogen prevents the deposition of fat in the arteries and provides protection against coronary heart disease. After the stopping of estrogen production, there is the possibility of development of heart disease, the skin becomes dry, the muscles get stiff, and the body calcium also reduces, which causes osteoporosis. There is a great danger of cancer of the ovaries. Very rarely is it detected timely. One should have the habit of getting a medical check-up regularly. It is important that women understand the workings of their bodies, in order to avoid unnecessary fear, anxiety, and stress at this time. For that, try to understand the function of the endocrine system.

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

The endocrine system is a system of glands, which are distributed throughout the body, and the hormones secreted by them, into the bloodstream, are distributed to all parts of the body. The endocrinal glands supplement the nervous system, in particular the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. Together, they make up a single neuro-endocrine system that integrates and coordinates the metabolic activities of the body, and controls the ability of the body to face changes in the internal and external conditions. It has a great influence in this transitional time. The glands trigger definite organs that react to specific hormones, and in this manner, changes are induced within the body, according to the dictates of the brain, which is also the master controller of the endocrinal system.

ENDOCRINE GLANDS

The major glands that make up the human endocrine system are the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals, pineal body, and the reproductive glands, which include the ovaries and testes. The pancreas is also part of this hormone-secreting system, even though it is also associated with the digestive system, because it also produces and secretes digestive enzymes. Although the endocrine glands are the body’s main hormone producers, some non-endocrine organs, such as the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, thymus, skin, and placenta also produce and release hormones. The glands do not work independently. Each gland reacts with, and modifies, the influence of the other glands. Thus, any disorder of the endocrinal system, in general, or in one of the glands in particular, can have negative repercussions on the health of the whole body.

THE PITUITARY GLAND

The pituitary gland and hypothalamus coordinate the menstrual cycle. During menopause, the ovaries produce less estrogen, and progesterone is no longer secreted. In an attempt to stimulate the ovaries into producing eggs, the pituitary produces greater amounts of FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (Luteinizing hormone). These pituitary hormones temporarily (over some years) increase their production until the body finds a substitute for estrogen produced by the ovaries. The fatty tissue and the adrenal glands become this substitute. Increased amounts of FSH and LH are thought to produce hot flushes, a symptom of menopause.

THE THYROID AND PARATHYRIOD GLANDS

The thyroid and parathyroid glands are involved in the homeostasis of bone remodeling. Calcitonin, secreted by the thyroid gland, and parathyroid hormone, secreted by the parathyroid glands, keep the ionic calcium and phosphate balanced, and healthy, within the body, so that the breaking down of old bone is replaced with new. A sluggish thyroid also causes fatigue – another symptom of menopause.

THE ADRENAL GLAND

The adrenal glands control the balance of sodium and potassium in the body, the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, balance the sex hormones, produce muscle tone, and produce the fight/flight stress reaction. They are a major source of post-menopausal estrogen, essential for maintaining healthy bones, by helping to convert androstenoodrone into estrogen.

THE THYMUS GLAND

The thymus gland is located close to the heart and is important for the immune system. It produces two hormones, which promote the proliferation and maturation of T cells that destroy microbes and foreign substances. Recently, evidence has suggested that thymic hormone may retard the aging process.

THE PANCREAS

The pancreas secretes glucagon, somatostatin, and pancreatic hormone, which rises or lowers blood glucose levels in the body. Women, who experience fatigue, may have a blood sugar imbalance, which may be due to prolonged stress, chronic infection, cancer, or tumor, but for the most part, is self-induced by eating sugars and refined foods. As a result, the pancreas (pituitary, adrenals and liver) may become ineffective, failing to react appropriately in times of major or minor stress, resulting in fatigue. During and after menopause, the ovaries produce significantly lower levels of oestrogen. While the body finds alternatives for this loss, it is important to keep the ovaries toned and balanced in order to maintain the level of oestrogen the ovaries continue to produce.

YOGA AND MIDLIFE

The middle years are a time to deal with any unresolved issues from the past, in order to move towards the future. Yoga practices are a means of addressing problems, arising from a sedentary lifestyle. It can help release Pranic blocks and free mental and emotional tensions, as these relax stiffness in muscles and joints. Yogasanas, Pranayama, Meditation, Mudras, Yoga Nidra, Shavasna, with breath awareness, are helpful Yogic tools. They all influence the physical, mental, and spiritual planes, helping to release unresolved issues at the unconscious level.

• The physical benefits may be felt, as relief from specific ailments, an improvement in other physical problems, and a whole sense of physical well-being. This can be a very powerful experience for some women, who have lost touch with their body, and who are alienated from the physical dimension.

• The mental and emotional benefits include an overall sense of relaxation and calmness, which act as a means to control stress and tension in our lives.

• At the spiritual level, Yoga can provide an enriching experience through Kirtan and Meditation. For those women, who have lost contact with their spiritual nature, it can awaken this aspect and provide a means to realize a deeper centre within themselves.

YOGASANA

Yoga practices, especially dynamic practices, are a means of addressing problems arising from a sedentary lifestyle. They stimulate and tone all the systems of the body – cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, digestive, circulatory, and hormonal. Yogasanas that tone and maintain the endocrine glands, and the nervous system that communicates with these glands, include forward and backward bending, twisting and sideways bending, and inverted postures. The practices recommended are: Tadasana, Trikonasana, Surya Namaskara, Vipareeta Karani Mudra, Kandharasana, Halasana, Paschimottanasana, Bhujangasana, Shalabhasana, Dhanurasana, Shashank, Ushtrasana, Marjariasana, Supta vajrasana, and Ardha matsyendrasana.

PRANAYAMA

Pranayama involves influencing the breath and altering the flow of Prana in the body, because Pranamaya Kosha is the link between the Annamaya Kosha (physical body), and the Manomaya Kosha (mind). The practices of Pranayama can reach all the levels of the mind and, therefore, help resolve unconscious issues, by clearing energy blocks and harmonizing Prana. Useful Pranayama practices include full Yogic breath, Kapalbhati, Nadi Shodhana, Bhramari, and Omkar.

MEDITATION

Meditation allows the unconscious thoughts, feelings, and images to rise to the conscious level, while witnessing these as a neutral observer facilitates the resolution of many unconscious conflicts and the release of repressed memories and experiences. Meditation, in particular, Antar Mouna, Trataka, Chidakasha Dharana, and Ajapa Japa can help to maintain physical, mental, and spiritual health.

BANDHAS

Jalandhara, Uddiyana, Moola, and Mahabandha help to redirect Prana and strengthen the whole body.

MUDRAS

Mudras create a link between the physical and Pranic bodies, which together, influence the mental body. With the Nadis clear, and Prana flowing freely, deep-seated conflicts find channels to surface and be resolved. Shambhavi, Nasikagra, and Sahajoli Mudras are useful.

KRIYAS

Neti and Trataka

YOGA NIDRA

Yoga Nidra is a relaxation technique, as well as a tool for reconstructing and reforming the personality. The stages of Sankalpa, and visualization, can act as a support for women in midlife by constructing positive images of the future. For example, Sankalpa can set the scene for changing negative attitudes to positive. Visualization can provide for a woman a vision of herself and the future as positive, healthy, and strong.

To improve the functioning capacity of the ovaries, Shalabhasana contributes very much. Regular and long practice of Shalabhasana assures a simple and healthy life, without getting involved in a whirlwind and its sufferings.

Following is the technique of Shalabhasana.

SHALABHASANA / THE LOCUST POSTURE

Lie face down in prone position. Bring the heels and toes together. Draw your arms down underneath the body (Remove wristwatch, bangles, or anything breakable). Close the fists, of both hands, and keep them under the thigh and the elbows under the abdomen. After slightly lifting the abdomen, adjust the elbows and fists properly. Support the head on the chin.

TECHNIQUE

Inhale deeply, slowly exhale, and then lift both the legs simultaneously, without bending them at knees. Lift them, as much as possible, and keep the heels, toes, ankles, and the knees touching one another. The entire weight of the body is coming on both arms; fists closed and pressed on the ground. Hold the breath after inhaling. Maintain the posture, as long as possible, without any discomfort. Then, slowly exhale, return to original position, and take rest in Makarasana.

NOTE

Shalabhasana can also be done with a single leg.

OTHER BENEFITS

The strength of hamstrings, hip muscles, and pelvic muscles increases. It relieves the problems of lumbago, backache, lumbar spondylosis, and sciatica. The paravertebral muscles, which support the spine, are strengthened. There is also an increase in blood circulation towards the brain and heart. The functioning capacity of the stomach, pancreas, liver, and kidneys increases; hence, there is an increase in appetite and benefits those who are under weight.

Om Shanti

If you feel inspired by this article, feel free to publish it in your Newsletter or on your Website. Our humble request is to please include the Resource as follows: Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna’s Yogashaastra Studio. A popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health.

Mobile: + 919849772485

Ph:-91-40-65173344

Email: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Website: www.yogashaastra.in

Dr. Rita Khanna

Dr. Rita Khanna is a well-known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into this discipline over 25 years ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh (India).

She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process, which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life. She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has been successfully practicing these therapies and providing succour to several chronic and terminally ill patients through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy. She is also imparting Yoga Teachers Training.

At present, Dr. Rita Khanna is running a Yoga Studio in Secunderabad (Hyderabad, India).

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Time off, or time away from work, is special to us because it gives us a chance to re-direct our energy. Some of us might call this “time to get our bearings straight.” Yet, how many people really take time off for themselves? Is it selfish to spend time on meditation, Yoga, or self-analysis during the holidays or on vacation? Let’s explore these questions, and see how we can accomplish more, when we have time off.

How many people really take time off for themselves? The short answer is: Not many. Students are very honest with their Yoga teachers. When asked how much time they spent meditating during the week, most Yoga students will readily admit they do not meditate at all. When asked how often they practice relaxation techniques, which are taught in Yoga class, most will admit that they do not practice any Yogic form of relaxation during the week.

There are exceptions to everything, and the above-mentioned information applies to western Yoga students. However, students and Yoga teachers, in Asia, also admit that life is moving much too fast. Family ties, job security, and global economics have challenged people in every corner of the earth. Strangely, humans seem to be addicted to electronic stimulation, and it is difficult for us to unplug ourselves from technology.

Is it selfish to spend time on meditation, Yoga, or self-analysis, during the holidays or on vacation? Everyone needs to take a break from bad news, technology, and work. Time away from work is short-lived and it should be appreciated to its maximum potential. This is time for rest, relaxation, healing, meditation, creative thinking, and finding one’s sense of direction.

Time spent on self-reflection helps one find solutions to healing the inner being. When the inner being is healed, it is much easier to help others, if they need, or want, our help. This need for self-reflection and healing, from within, is a simple formula known by sages of the past. A state of complete awareness (self-realization) cannot be reached without first healing your inner being.

Consider this: If you are in pain, what can you focus on? Usually, you can only focus on pain, but some of us might focus on revenge. A rare few blessed souls can focus on forgiveness, when feeling pain. Hopefully, our pain can be healed when we have time off and realize that forgiveness is the key to spiritual freedom. When we let go of our hate, anger, intolerance, and desire for revenge, we experience self-healing and we reflect spiritual beauty from within.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

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

Written By Dr. Rita Khanna

Patanjali says you have something permanent with you and that is called “The Monkey Mind.” It is compared to a monkey drunk with the wine of desire, stung by the scorpion of jealousy, and possessed with the demon of pride. Lust, greed, jealousy, anger, ego, tensions, reactions, grudges, depression, stress, and strain are the symptoms of this mind. We suffer from these because we gave all the powers to the mind and made it our master. We are happy when the mind is cheerful. We are depressed when the mind is gloomy. We are at the mercy of the mind that waxes and wanes. We consider ourselves nothing but mind.

WHAT IS MIND

Mind is what you make it with your thoughts. Mind is matter. It has no power of its own. Your thoughts create your mind. Every thought, emotion, or word produces a strong vibration in every cell of the body and leaves a strong impression there. If you entertain healthy thoughts, you can keep good health. If you hold on to sickly thoughts in the mind, you can never expect good health, beauty, and harmony. If the mind is healthy, the body will be healthy. Remember that the body is a product of the mind. If you hold on to vigorous thoughts, your body too will be vigorous. Thoughts of love, peace, contentment, purity, perfection, and divinity will make you, and others around you, perfect and divine. Otherwise, we will be the victim of mental and heart diseases.

TRAIN THE MIND

The human mind functions within a certain field. Your mind works only within the boundaries of the field of whatever you have previously heard, seen, thought of, or imagined. Maharishi Patanjali says that you can cross that field by training your mind, and all its faculties, so that you can go beyond. According to Maharishi Patanjali, the mind (Chitta) is made up of three faculties – Manas (Mind & Memory), Buddhi (Intellect), and Ahamkara (Ego). Manas are the recording faculty, which receives impressions gathered by the senses from the outside world. Buddhi is the discriminative faculty, which classifies these impressions and reacts to them. Ahamkara is the ego-sense, which claims these impressions as its own and stores them up as individual knowledge.

For example, your teacher tells you to do Kapalbhati Pranayama. She also reminds you that always start with slow speed. Your mind listens to that and your intellect confirms in the same manner. But after some time, your ego starts reacting. It notices that the teacher is doing much faster and why can’t I do it the same way? Hence, ego becomes the spoiler and it always needs to be controlled and trained.

HOW TO TRAIN THE MIND

That monkey mind always gets in your way and creates barriers for you. One day it helps you to understand something, and then the next day, you undo the same thing. One moment you think you have known something; after half an hour, the same mind will say you have not known anything. Sometimes, you think you are going toward insanity; sometimes, you think you are doing very well. That monkey mind comes between you and realization. There is no attempt, however, to control the mind; the idea is to go beyond it through meditation. Meditation is where thoughts get dissolved naturally, enhancing your concentration power, memory power, will power, right thinking, and fitness power, automatically. Meditation is neither a mental exercise nor a practice. It is a direct and natural process beyond mind itself.

MEDITATION

The mind is always full of all types of thoughts. It continues like this from birth to death because there is no switch to turn it off. Meditation helps in controlling the mind. By doing regular meditation, it is possible to put a switch on the mind and turn it off when it is not needed. In fact, it teaches us how to manage the mind just by witnessing it through neutral energy. It is not interfering with the intricacies and doings of mind. Just remain a non-doer and directly watch the thoughts neutrally, without any judgment, analyses, participation, visualization, imagination, contemplation, suppression, repression, condemnation, or concentration. To watch is our true nature. It is a natural, non-doing state. No effort is required to watch. We all have full potential to look within, as we all are blessed with the ‘Third Eye’. It is not forcing the mind to be quiet; it is to find the quiet that is there already.

TECHNIQUE

Adopt any comfortable sitting position… Close the eyes… Relax your body part by part mentally… Be still… Withdraw the mind from the outside world… Direct the mind within oneself towards breathing… Breathe slowly, deeply, and regularly… If thoughts come into your mind from time to time, just go on watching those thoughts …. Do not identify with them… Do not get friendly with them…Do not argue with them… They will go away…Keep a distance from the thoughts… Feel that thoughts are yours but you are not the thought… Just like your shadow is yours but you are not the shadow… just keep deleting all the undesirable thoughts… Do not let those thoughts come back to you… (It is like watching a film. If we do not like the film, we do not remember the story. As soon as we come out of the cinema hall, we forget the story because we don’t need it)… If we do not, it means that we are carrying an extra burden in our mind and that makes our mind weak and diseased, mentally, as well as physically… Give your conscious mind a rest…. There is a state of mind where you have no thought…Only consciousness remains… If you can experience this state, you can experience strength, power, creativity, courage, confidence, decisiveness, and happiness … This is Pure Existence.

CONCLUSION

With more and more meditations, monkey mind starts learning to be silent. Once it knows, that by being silent it becomes powerful, energetic, and positive – and then the mind is a good servant of immense power in the hands of silence. Then the being is the master and master can use the mind whenever it is needed and can switch it off whenever it is not needed.

If you feel inspired by this article, feel free to publish it in your Newsletter or on your Website. Our humble request is to please include the Resource as follows: Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna’s Yogashaastra Studio. A popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health and detoxification.

Mobile: + 919849772485

Ph:-91-40-65173344

Email: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Dr. Rita Khanna

Dr. Rita Khanna is a well-known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into this discipline over 25 years ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh (India).

She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process, which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life. She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has been successfully practicing these therapies and providing succour to several chronic and terminally ill patients through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy. She is also imparting Yoga Teachers Training.

At present, Dr. Rita Khanna is running a Yoga Studio in Secunderabad (Hyderabad, India).

We often see pictures of Hatha Yoga practitioners performing physical feats, but we cannot see pictures of a trained mind. There is a Chinese proverb, which states, “A picture’s meaning can express ten thousand words.” It seems to have been loosely translated into English as: “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

Nevertheless, we are moved by pictures and movies that stimulate thoughts with incredible feats, action, and special effects. Meanwhile, training the mind through meditation, Yoga, or self-study is often ignored because it does not sell as many copies.

Yet, we live in the real world. After we are released from the virtual world, when a game or movie is over, we must use our minds for work and studies. The power of the mind can be wasted when we fail to take action on our own behalf. A good example of this is health prevention and awareness of what we can control.

How often do you see someone carry a child, purse, package, or laptop out of balance? Do you realize what will happen to the spine over time? This person will likely be in chronic pain, if he or she carries anything out of balance over an extended period of time.

We see the same thing happen with eating habits. Unconscious eating has already caught up to less active young adults. Take a look at the size of graduates at a local university near you. This is a bad omen, because these young people are in their physical prime.

The window of opportunity for good health is not equal for all of us. You can be born into poverty, with a genetic defect, or three months too early. What a shame it is for young people, in the best years of their lives, to take their good health for granted. Luckily, all is not lost – Yoga has grown in popularity.

Yoga, in its many forms, allows one to become aware of daily habits in posture, eating, and breathing, by constantly training the mind. All forms of Yoga require self-discipline. We become aware of many situations that can throw the body out of balance.

How do we sit, stand, walk, eat, and drink, during the course of a day? While some may say: “Who cares?” It is wise to observe oneself and make corrections. It is easy to criticize others, but we have more control over our own health. To ridicule others, over bad habits, is usually a waste of energy and time.

To become an example of a trained mind, and good health habits, is the best a Yoga teacher or practitioner can do. If we are successful, others will follow.

© 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

All forms of Yoga originally contained meditation techniques. Some Hatha Yoga styles have little, to no, meditation time, within the classroom structure. How did this happen and why? As Yoga was transplanted outside of India, many more forms took root.

This is not entirely a bad thing, but some of the core aspects of Hatha Yoga have been pushed aside in order to make time for more asana (posture) practice. Among the aspects, which have taken a back seat to asana, are meditation and pranayama (Yogic breathing).

The benefits of Yoga’s many forms of meditation are not to be taken lightly. Improved concentration, health, and attitude are keys to a better quality life, which results in states of happiness. The inner peace within, brings about better relationships with family and friends.

A focused or trained mind is a powerful tool, when used for acquiring knowledge. With that said, meditation will enable a student or teacher to become more proficient. For a young adult, meditation is a tool for academic achievement.

At the same time, peer pressure to “go out and party” is put aside for the real priorities of learning and achieving. It is easy for a young adult to stray off the path, while in college, and away from home. It takes much discipline to pursue your goals, with so many distractions around you.

Yet, these same distractions and temptations can take place at any point in our lives. Yoga meditation is a method for bringing the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual self, into balance. As a result of steady practice, we can achieve harmony with the people, and the world, around us.

With the right mindset, we can heal ourselves better, and faster, when faced with a health crisis. The opposite effect is to become a pessimist, when faced with a life endangering health problem. Therefore, enlist the power of your mind when faced with chronic stress, distraction, or illness. Meditation is a method which trains your mind to become your best ally.

© Copyright 2009 – 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

We received many questions today from Yoga teachers, studio owners, and students, about practicing collective meditation, positive affirmation, and prayer, with the intention of global economic recovery. Therefore, let me share the information discussed with you.

Q: When will the first collective meditation, positive affirmation, and prayer session meet?

A: As stated yesterday, we will meet on the second day of April, June, August, October, and December of 2009. At Aura, our first session is open to the public at our 21 Park Street, Suite 202, location in Attleboro. We will meet from 5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2009.

Q: Will a donation be required?

A: No, there is no donation required at all. You should arrive early, as our center has limited space, but we have many chairs outside the studio in the enclosed hallway (between the offices and the main studio). We will do our best to accommodate those who arrive. My suggestion would be to arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Q: What good will meditation, positive affirmation, or prayer, do for the global economy?

A: You have a choice. You can do nothing and let the world happen around you, or you can take action by cultivating positive energy through the power of attraction. If we can create enough positive energy, we change ourselves and the world around us.

Q: Are you actually going to pray as a group?

A: Due to the fact that my students are from a variety of faiths, any prayer would be in silence. I have no desire to impose my religious beliefs on anyone else. However, there will be some time for silent prayer. With that said, I have never met a Yoga practitioner who was an atheist; but if an atheist showed up to this session, he or she is welcome to meditate in silence.

Q: What if I have a Yoga studio in Mumbai or California - should we do a simultaneous meditation session at our location?

A: As long as you organize your session on April 2nd, your positive intention will have an impact.

If there are any further questions, please feel free to contact me by posting in the comments at the bottom of this post. You are also welcome to contact me directly at my AOL address or by contacting email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Yoga Teacher Certification
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos.
Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
—————————————
On-Site Yoga Training: http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com
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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

Jnana Yoga is often considered the “Yoga of truth.” This form of truth, in Yoga practice, is found through self-discovery and by carefully performing honest self-analysis. Yet, all that we change from within will not change the world around us, unless we interact with it.

Relationships are our interaction, with the people we see, in the course of a day. We cannot change the world by sitting and meditating in a cave for the rest of our lives. Yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and loving kindness are put into practice when we engage in balanced relationships.

In all relationships, the keys to success can be found. Take the following key and apply it toward all of your relationships in work, with family, at home, and with your friends. In this way, you can apply time-tested Yogic principles in your daily life.

The Key of Mutual Trust

You have a right to be skeptical of everything you encounter, but when you wear skepticism like a badge, people will become skeptical of you. This does not imply that you should trust everyone and train your children to “take candy from strangers.” However, when you assume that everyone has a hidden agenda, and you do not trust anyone, you encourage an atmosphere of mistrust.

Supervisors and business owners set the tone within a company. If mistrust starts at the top, it trickles down to the foundation of the company. An atmosphere of mistrust breeds a multitude of problems. The supervisor who does not trust his or her help is most likely to take credit for the help’s ideas.

Similarly, the same supervisor is least likely to take responsibility for his or her mistakes. It is very tempting, when you do not trust anyone, to see everyone as potential enemies. It is also possible to view every subordinate as a threat to job security. Do you think the workers who answer to an openly distrustful supervisor will be loyal?

So far, all we have considered is the level of mutual trust in business relationships, but the key of mutual trust is part of every aspect of life. If you treat your children and spouse with mistrust, you will definitely encounter mutual feelings from them.

Whether trust is earned, or violated, do not ignore it. There is no need to carry a grudge forever or assume that one act of kindness makes someone a saint. We have to accept people the way they are, without going through harsh judgments or leaving ourselves unnecessarily open to be taken advantage of.

Yoga teaches each of us about living in balance and harmony. There is no need to let life’s highs or lows throw you out of balance for long. Granted, we are all human and mistakes are part of a lifelong learning process, but Yoga can help us find the higher purposes of life.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Yoga Teacher Training Courses
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos.
Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
——————————————–
On-Site Yoga Teacher Training: http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com
——————————————–
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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