Lets look at practicing Yoga "off the mat," in order to establish control of your thoughts. Anxiety is a strong feeling of apprehension, which needs constant supervision by you. At the same time, anxiety is, most often, not reality.
Our feelings and fears cannot be allowed to take charge of our minds. Since anxiety stems from within the mind, Yoga is a valuable practice for centering ourselves. Allowing anxiety to take control will leave us paralyzed by the negative powers within our imaginations.
How do we establish control of the "monkey mind" during a "wave" of anxiety? When anxious thoughts begin to exaggerate inherent fears, we have lost control of our minds. The mind is your greatest ally or your worst enemy, but you must choose which path to follow.
During an anxiety attack, some people try to establish control by saying to themselves, "Mustn't think bad thoughts." This method can work, but has limited success. Why? If you want to divert your thinking, why not create an inspirational positive thought in the form of mantra, Japa, or affirmation.
Consider these words by French psychologist Emile Coue, "Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better." In truth, mantra, Japa, or positive affirmations are easier to remember when they are not complex. In the case of the monkey mind running wild, we might just say "My thoughts are under my control."
If you prefer something in Sanskrit, "Om Namah Shivaya," or something else, will do, but consult with your Yoga teacher because you should understand what you are saying. In the case of Om Namah Shivaya, this means "God dwells in every heart." If you wanted to create a slightly different positive affirmation in English, "The Lord lives in my heart," will do just fine.
© Copyright 2007 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. riyoga.com riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
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