The whole ocean of Yoga has been designed to guide people into self-discovery, to uncover our real nature. And true Yoga unfolds only to the person who has come to understand that lasting happiness cannot be found in the material world and therefore turns within.
But to do so, we must be commitment to bring about a peaceful and happy environment for our bodies and minds. This is 100% in our hands, and every one of us is capable of living a joyful life!
Body-Mind Wellbeing – the Practical
Because of the interconnection of our bodies and minds, one always impacts the other. So, the wellbeing of the mind aids the one of the bodies and vice versa. For this reason, the vast Yogic wisdom targets both body and mind in its practices, providing double support for the Yogi.
Dedicating some time daily to our bodies and minds is just like learning to fly with two wings instead of one! It is no secret that we feel better when we do our best in keeping our body healthy. And although not every person is able to follow a perfect Yogic diet and lifestyle while living in the world, the intention of doing the best one can every day is enough.
Taking 30 minutes in the morning for a physical practice, consuming pranic food (live foods which energize the body, e.g., fruits, vegetables), and proper hydration are simple yet most efficient supporters of a happy body. Consistency of these habits brings the body into natural alignment and releases tension and anxiety in daily life, leaving space for joy and radiance.
This in itself is not the goal but a strong base that makes it possible to travel deeper into the ocean of joy that this life offers.
The Bigger Guns – Gratitude, Service, Faith
One of the most powerful, most healing and humbling mantras is ‘Thank You. It is the simplest and quickest way to transform one’s life – by making gratitude a quality that is present moment to moment.
Being grateful for the beauty of nature, for the sound of the birds, even for that job you didn’t get and that relationship that didn’t work out. Because when we are grateful, we are great, and we are full. Suddenly, our standpoint shifts into one of abundance and joy, and the vibration of our words, thoughts and actions rise significantly.
From a place of gratitude and abundance, we can perform service to others, which is one of life’s most beautiful opportunities. The joy of being of service, whether to our family members, a stranger or a stray dog, is like food for the soul and the ultimate ego killer. Because we no longer live in a limited frame of interest which is ‘me’, but expand much more as we live for something greater, as we live for others. And the great thing is that we can never run out of the opportunity to serve – every moment can use our kindness and attention!
What seems to bring most of us down is the unpredictability of life… no matter what practice we do and how well we do it, we cannot avoid some things. Loss, disease, pain, conflict etc., are a part of this human life experience, and everyone goes through it.
Because we want the best of life and hope to avoid the darker sides, we often end up running from suffering or suppress it.
Yet only when we are ready to accept and fully experience all of life, including the bitter, are we embracing authentic living. Embracing all of the fortunes and misfortunes is freedom; it means no more resistance – come what will.
And here is where we turn to faith because faith is the raft that carries us to a happiness that is absolutely independent of the perishable things of the world.
Everything that comes goes, yet true happiness is as unshakable as a mountain, and it can be realized through the power of faith – faith that all is happening of its own perfect accord. This way, we can play our role simply and joyfully, without anxiety about the past or future.
-By Tinka FIlat
Follow @tinnkabel
