Pranoga

Just the other day in class I had mentioned that Yoga helps us strengthen our inner core, body and mind. One of the reasons why the traditional styles of Yoga don't use any external stimuli such as music, incense, etc. is because the idea is to go within and develop one's focus, thereby strengthening the mind. When we're out there in the real world, tackling real world issues, there is no music or any other external stimulus to soothe us. It's just us and our mind.

One my friends posted this quote on Facebook a few days ago:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO-HOO, what a ride!!"

Interesting idea, I admit. Staying happy no matter what, is what Yoga is all about. However, destroying the body is not. The body is an instrument that houses our minds and souls. Either way, my response to him was:

"Sounds great in theory, but I would like to hear that from somebody who is close to that point and is still screaming! When it all catches up with us, I am sure most of us will have a different perspective."

So, why preserve our body? The simple answer is that what goes on with our body will most likely affect our mind as well. I am speaking from my own experience just today. Today happened to be my annual checkup to make sure the tumor hasn't returned. It's been four years now and I have had several checkups to date. It's become pretty routine for me. However, I have to admit that I was a bit nervous today, and it showed in the blood pressure reading - slightly higher than normal! Why was I nervous? I had the same symptoms as the ones prior to my diagnosis four years ago. Fortunately, everything was fine and the symptoms were due to an infection. Don't want that either, but I'll take an infection over a tumor any day!

The point here is that most of us don't want to suffer. So, suffering does impact our minds causing anxiety and stress, which in turn affects our body. We then get stuck in a vicious cycle. If one can stay above it all, great. However, most of us are not well prepared for that. Although suffering is a part of life, our goal should be to minimize that suffering and stay focused on our ultimate goal to find true happiness or eternal bliss.

Would you say I am ready to tackle any issue that's thrown at me? Certainly not! I have a long way to go. My journey only began about a year ago. That's nothing in a Yogi's (someone who practices Yoga) journey. As I remind my students in every class, I also remind myself. With constant practice we will get there. Keeping a healthy mind and healthy body is the key to finding that inner happiness. Of course, this idea is not mine and is certainly not new - more like ten thousand or more years old!

In conclusion, I hope this inspires you to take care of your body and your mind. Strengthen your mind, whether it is through the practice of Yoga or any other means that suits you. May you be blessed, stay healthy, and be prepared for what life has in store for you.

Om Namah Sivaya!