FILLING YOUR MIND WITH PEACE AND SERENITY

Articles In This Section:

· YOGA POSTURES

· MUDRAS YOGA POSTURES

· HEALTHY DIGESTIVE AND CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

· PRANAYAMA PRACTICED BENEFITS TO THE LUNGS

· FILLING YOUR MIND WITH PEACE AND SERENITY

In practicing them, it is important to remember that, if we want them to be completely effective, the asanas must always be approached in a peaceful state of mind. Otherwise, the healing forces they liberate are squandered in neutralizing disturbed emotions rather than being used to calm the nerves and produce a heightened state of well-being. The best way to begin one's daily practice, then, is with a few Dynamic Breathing exercises followed by a meditative pose, or mudra, which will help induce the proper calm state of mind. You should always strive to set aside the problems that beset you, filling your mind instead with thoughts of peace and serenity, turning your eyes inward and away from the materialistic world.

Finally, a word of caution: In choosing the exercises which you feel are right for you, you should be guided by the knowledge that anyone who takes the time and trouble to observe the reactions of his own organism will soon be able to tell as instinctively as a healthy animal which of them are likely to be beneficial and which might prove harmful. So be selective as you set up your routine and never be afraid to trust your own judgment. There is no need to follow the book slavishly; in fact, if asanas exhaust you because of health or age reasons you may find it best merely to do Deep Relaxation and Breathing routines, or perhaps confine your asanas at first to Savasana, recommended for Deep Relaxation. No matter how little the exertion, you will begin to benefit if you practice regularly, day after day, in the proper frame of mind. In time it is quite possible that the relaxation itself, as well as correct breathing, will envigorate your body to the point where you are ready to try something more complicated. But under no circumstances must you continue Yoga exercises beyond the point of tiredness.

Our final caution is to emphasize how important it is to follow whatever specific warnings may be included in the descriptions. For instance, if it is mentioned that a certain asana is not recommended for persons in a category to which you belong, just forget about it. There are surely others which you can substitute. Always remember to rest and do a few breathing exercises between asanas. Above all, remember that your own frame of mind is what will determine the final success of your endeavor.