Living towards total health in today’s world

 

As far as health is concerned, the individual has to put an effort himself to understand his own personality, his own body, his own mind. It is absolutely personal and that is why Yoga constantly talks about knowing your own self.

There are four areas where you have to look into your own self. These four are:-

  1. AHARA – Qualitative and Quantitative aspects of diet
  2. VIHARA – Recreation, Relaxation and Sound Sleep
  3. ACHARA – Discipline in regular life
  4. VICHARA – Individual Positive Outlook

AHARA

A healthy motto is “Eat to live, not live to eat”. It is best one understands that the purpose of eating is to supply one’s being with the life-force, or prana, the vital life energy .So the greatest nutritional plan is the simple diet of fresh natural foods. One should not grudge over the lack of variety of foods nor salivate at the fortunate abundance of it. One should avoid consuming over-stimulating foods that have subtle effects on the mind and body. Many people worry about getting enough protein and in the process neglect other factors. The quality of protein is more important than the protein alone. Any changes in the diet should be made gradually to help attain a high standard or health, keen intellect and serenity of mind.

VIHARA

When the body and mind are constantly overworked, their natural efficiency diminishes. Modern social life, work, even entertainment makes it difficult for people to relax and people have forgotten that relaxation is nature’s way of recharging oneself. Hence Shavasana or conscious relaxation is practiced and is an integral part of every Yoga session. Every person should be involved in some recreational activity be it, painting, singing, dancing, pottery, gardening, where in inner joy can be expressed. Laughter is the best medicine and one should learn to amuse oneself with everything. It is important to incorporate such activities from childhood where emotions ca be brought out into creativity. Lastly, a sound sleep is the ultimate relaxation one can receive.

ACHARA

Right routine and right habits are the key solutions to external difficulties which are actually projections of our own inner struggle. Life is beautiful if one is independent and sets out a timely managed routine. If one can be disciplined and sincerely follows a pattern, change for the better is evident. It could be as simple as waking up an extra 15 minutes earlier in the morning or incorporating a daily asana practice or drinking an extra glass of water each day or a 30 minute practice of Pranayama in the morning. The choice to make a difference always lies in the will of the beholder.

VICHARA

When the surface of a lake is still, one can see to the bottom very clearly. This is impossible when the surface is agitated by waves. Similarly, when the mind is uncontrolled, the thoughts tend to run at tangents all the time. A person, who thinks clearly and calmly, rarely makes hasty decisions whether in his personal or professional life and does not get unreasonably disturbed with external factors. Positive thinking and Meditation changes the minds perspective and we grip our thoughts and hence our actions.

The physical body undergoes birth, growth, change, decay and eventually death. The ancient Yogi’s believe that there is far greater purpose to life than mere suffering or disease or simple changes. For this reason, the above 4 areas or pillars of Yoga help keep the physical and mental faculties strong in order to dwell into the deeper aspects of our experiences in our lives. It is absolutely personal till we attain self-realization.


Categories: Experiences

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