Tags
awareness, happiness, inspiration, peace, philosophy, psychology, yoga
Do you ever feel that your mind is overloaded with all that you have to do, be and have?
Life as we know it, has evolved to a much faster pace than what we were use to over 50 years ago. With the advances of technology, the way we communicate, the speed of our vehicles, the time pressures of work deadlines and the many other commitments in our lives, it seems that we simply don’t have time to relax and enjoy the moment. In this 21st century, our lives are much busier now, than they ever were. At times I wonder if all these changes and advances are really moving us to where we ultimately want to be, which is to be more peaceful and happy.
We all have experienced how it feels to be stressed out and our mind is full of thoughts of what we need to do or what we should be doing. It can feel that our mind is like a time bomb just ready to explode. We seem to have more demands on us now more than ever, to reach levels of so called success in all areas of our lives however, with all these demands comes a price. At times, it is not unusual for us to feel like an overworked machine. The consequences of experiencing life this way, are usually a lack of clarity, focus and the ability to think rationally about our life.
When we are in a place of losing control of our minds, it can lead us down an unhealthy path of using and abusing substances such as alcohol, drugs, pharmaceutical drugs, etc. as a temporary way to tame and control our minds. These substances normally only provide a temporary fix and never deal with the root cause of our situation. Usually if this lost of control happens over an extended period of time, it can lead a person to a place of having a nervous breakdown and ultimately they can end up having a physical or mental illness.
When we have the ability and the skill to control our minds, we have the power to be peaceful, calm and relaxed no matter what situation we are in. We bring the power back to ourselves as individuals in that whatever the external situation maybe, we can choose to be calm and peaceful. When our minds are balanced, we experience greater clarity, focus, decisiveness and a higher level of rational and creative thinking. The direct result of being in control of our minds is that we experience greater levels of peace, mental and physical health and ultimately happiness.
So you may ask how can I control this monkey mind?
Well one way I have found very effective is the use of a breathing technique called pranayama. It is an ancient yogic breathing technique, whereby you alternate your breathing in and out through your nose. This technique when used on a daily basis will strengthen your mind with improved concentration and mind control, provide deep relaxation to your body and mind and will strengthen your nervous and respiratory system. It will also purify your mind and body.
The specific technique is called Anuloma Viloma which is known as alternative nostril breathing.
The steps are as follows;
- Close your eyes and relax. Sit in this position for a couple of minutes till you settle down.
- Close your right nostril with your right thumb
- Breath in from your left nostril for the count of 8. Hold your breath for a couple of seconds.
- Open right nostril and close left nostril with middle and ring finger.
- Breathe out from your right nostril for the count of 4.
- Breathe in from your right nostril for the count of 8 and close your right nostril.
- Open left nostril and breathe out for the count of 4.
- Repeat again, steps 1 through 7 for 9 rounds initially and gradually building it up to 9 rounds by 3 with a 30 second break in between each 9 rounds.
- It is recommended to do this practice 4 times a day, once first thing in the morning, last thing at night and two other times during the day.
- Also when doing this practice, hold the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth and this maintains the energy flow / chi in the body.
As always I would love to hear any feedback, suggestions or comments you may have.
Namaste.
TW
Mwezi said:
Lovely post. I practice that technique. I was amazed at the immediate benefits, let alone the long term. 🙂
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The Truth Warrior said:
Thanks so much for sharing 🙂 I agree completely! Namaste. TW
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Ian Gardner said:
What is the difference between the brain and the mind?
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The Truth Warrior said:
Well the brain is the organ of the body which processes our thoughts and creates reasoning, while the mind is the consciousness of having a particular thought. The mind is controlled by the brain. Namaste. TW
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Ian Gardner said:
Here are two references to the subject from my writings:
Science & Psychological Illness.
Scientists are increasingly claiming to discover connections between brain function and psychological problems. This is erroneous because all psychological problems are rooted in the psyche (the Soul). Hence, because all psychological problems are rooted in the psyche that is where they have to be treated. The brain is merely the organ that is designed to ‘connect’ the physical ‘person’ with the psyche, the conduit, and all its magnificent capability and versatility are purely mechanical – the “servant of the soul”. To correct something in the brain perceived to be the cause of something in the person/persona is like repairing a part of a car and pronouncing the job done when the malfunction is with the driver!
Ω
The Brain.
The brain is the mechanism that links an individual’s inherent “intelligence”, the sum total of previous experience and acquired knowledge, to that individual’s Earthly experience. It can be likened to a transformer linking an electrical device to a power grid. It is ‘mechanical’. Therefore, to study the mechanism to the exclusion of the designer is like studying the functioning of a vehicle in traffic without including the functioning of the driver.
“Quo Vadis?”
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The Truth Warrior said:
I really like what you said Ian. Thanks so much for sharing. Namaste. TW
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nikeyo said:
I’ve read a lot about different forms of meditation. The problem is that it’s not a one fix fits all cure. It can help, sure, but in reality meditation is an individual experience and entirely subjective. Sports, music, nature, running, charity, religion, social gatherings… All are cathartic but not all works for everyone. Some forms, just end up frustrating individuals.
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The Truth Warrior said:
Well said!! Thanks so much for sharing. Namaste. TW
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AntonioWestley said:
Reblogged this on alltheeabove.
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The Truth Warrior said:
Thanks so much for the reblog 🙂 Namaste. TW
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The Truth Warrior said:
Thanks so much for the reblog!! Namaste. TW
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dustmuncher said:
I agree this is a very effective technique, but again like most things, if we want to change ourselves we have to be disciplined..it takes a few weeks to implant a new habit or conditioning..goes for the good and the bad..
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The Truth Warrior said:
Discipline is the key! Thanks so much for sharing. Namaste. TW
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kellie@writingmoment said:
Will definitely try this! Thank you 🙂
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The Truth Warrior said:
You are very welcome. Namaste. TW
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Vic Rana said:
Good one, thanks.
In addition to the daily practice of Pranayam, one also needs to make certain lifestyle changes to support this technique. Otherwise it could be short lived or might not give desired results…like some comments from other readers.
Vic
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The Truth Warrior said:
I agree completely Vic. Our lifestyle choice is a very important. Thanks for sharing. Namaste. TW
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Pedro Calado said:
Reblogged this on SocioTech'nowledge.
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The Truth Warrior said:
Thank you for the reblog. I really appreciate it. Namaste. TW
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Good Lifestyler said:
Reblogged this on Good Lifestyler and commented:
Might have to give this a try myself 🙂
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The Truth Warrior said:
Thanks for the reblog 🙂 Namaste. TW
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jakins2013 said:
Thank you for the gift of your blog. Good advice on these pages. Thank you also for liking my blog. It’s deeply appreciated.
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The Truth Warrior said:
Thank you for your kind comment 🙂 Namaste. TW
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Dr. Anne M. Thiel said:
This is very timely for me – as I plan for the transition from residency to the real world, my mind is overwhelmed with details and “what ifs”. Thank you for this great reminder and instructions.
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The Truth Warrior said:
I am glad you enjoyed it! Best of luck on your journey. Namaste. TW
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elaineofsweden said:
Hi TW!
Thank´s for visiting my blog and your like to my poem! So much intresting to read here on your blog:-) I have practice medical yoga and it focus very much on the breathing, deep breathing and I have also done that alternative nose breathing you write about and it is fantastic, so easy but it really has effect …it can clear the airways and sinuses and is even very calming..therefor it can be good if one have difficulties to fall asleep…
We have everything we need in ourselves but to understand that we need each other..
Wish you a wonderful day / Elaine
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The Truth Warrior said:
So true what you said Elaine. The breath is a very powerful tool for us. Thanks for sharing. Namaste. TW
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judithhb said:
Great post thank you. I survived each day after my husband’s untimely death (is any death timely?) by mediating. I encouraged all my clients when I acted as a life coach to mediate daily.
Thanks for dropping by and reading my posts and then deciding to follow me. I shall come back often to see what you are up to.
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The Truth Warrior said:
Thank you for your words of inspiration. I look forward to reading your posts too and I wish you the best of your own journey. Namaste. TW
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mimie tav said:
Pranayama is awesome. When I regularly practiced it, I could feel the difference.
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The Truth Warrior said:
Yes. It’s fantastic. I have found that when I regularly practiced, I received a lot of benefits. Namaste. TW
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authorsparadise said:
http://infinitendeavor.wordpress.com/2014/10/13/one-lovely-blog-award/
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The Truth Warrior said:
Thanks so much for your kind nomination 🙂 I really appreciate it. Namaste. TW
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carlisdm said:
This is very interesting! thanks for following my blog!
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The Truth Warrior said:
Thank you so much for sharing 🙂 Namaste. TW
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BLaine Robert Parker said:
Reblogged this on D. Blaine's Space.
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The Truth Warrior said:
Thanks for the reblog. Namaste. TW
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