Is there more to the life that we live ? We’ve touched upon the 5 points of Yoga in this post. Many thanks to ZenYoga for adding this article into their June update.
SIMPLE LIVING AND HIGH THINKING
Is there more to the life that we live? Is there a purpose that maybe requires a resilient will and an acute intellect to understand our spiritual exploration? Swami Vishnu-devananda offers the simplistic approach of the 5 point system of Yoga to know and understand that we are not born to grow, to merely suffer, undergo change or disease and then decay and die. Following are the points:-
1) PROPER EXERCISE
2) PROPER BREATHING
3) PROPER RELAXATION
4) PROPER DIET
5) POSITIVE THINKING & MEDITATION
PROPER EXERCISE (ASANA)
Our body is designed for mobility along with stability. If our lifestyle does not encompass a form of exercise that rejuvenates our nervous system, then the body becomes inactive and lethargic, not to mention the mind dull. Yogic asanas are different from other physical exercises which focus on strenuous movements building up lactic acid in the muscle fibres, which in turn causes fatigue.
Outward muscular structural appearance need not necessarily mean a healthy body. Health is a state where in all the bodily organs function properly with intelligent control of the mind. Yogic asana coupled with breathing techniques focus on achieving strength and flexibility in the spine which promises good bodily flexibility and blood circulation. Performed slowly and cautiously the asana go beyond providing merely physical benefits.
PROPER BREATHING (PRANAYAMA)
Often people wonder why they get tired so easily. One of the reasons is due to improper use of the maximum capacity of our breathing abilities. Mostly people use only a fraction of the potential lung capacity. Yogic breathing exercises are called pranayama. Full Yogic breath is one of the practises when performed correctly and with awareness, helps best. On the inhalation, the abdomen expands outwards, then the rib cage, then the upper portion of the lungs. On the exhalation, the abdomen caves in first followed by the rib cage. Once we regulate our breathing, we can regulate our prana or life force energy, hence the physical body.
PROPER RELAXATION (SAVASANA)
Savasana, as we know now, is a very significant part of our practice allowing the body to rejuvenate and recharge itself as nature desired. Physical relaxation is achieved with the mind sending messages to the muscles to relax. Mental Relaxation involves calming the mental tensions with pure awareness on the breath. Spiritual relaxation encompasses withdrawal from the body and mind and detachment from ego in order to alleviate emotions such as anxiety, fear, anger, sorrow, and other mental tensions.
PROPER DIET
The sun is the vital source of energy for all life forms on our planet. The plants are directly nourished by the sun hence have the greatest life-promoting properties. Plants are consumed by animals which are then eaten by other animals hence the quality of protein diminishes as one travels along the food chain. The focus should be on quality versus quantity and then a diet which aids digestion and proper assimilation should be chalked out. Healthy mixes of nutritional requirements include protein, carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals, fats and fibre. The yogic diet consists of that which renders the mind sharp and agile, hence foods that are overly stimulating like coffee, onions, garlic, alcohol or drugs are avoided. Any change in the diet should be approached gradually in order to make the transition as smooth as possible.
POSITIVE THINKING & MEDITATION
What we think is what we are. Positivity draws vibrant energy, happiness and a joyful state of the mind and hence the body. Allowing the mind to concentrate inward is another aspect. When the mirror is dusty, one sees the reflection as a hazy unclear picture, however when the mirror is clear from any dust, one sees himself. Similarly when the mind is clear of thoughts wavering on external objects, one sees and acknowledges the SELF. Meditation cannot be taught, just like sleep cannot be taught. Guidelines can be given; eventually it is a state which one falls into wherein perfect concentration is experienced.
The practise of Yoga calls for a life of self-discipline to the best of our ability. If the above is taken into moderate consideration, one can live a comfortable, healthy and fulfilling life.