In yoga, a primary goal is balance. Striving for balance within ones being takes enduring conscious volition. As practitioners of yoga, we are constantly balancing our chakras (energy centers), while striving to balance family, work, and recreation. Most importantly, we are continually aiming toward balancing the breath. As we’ve all experienced, it takes conscious awareness and continuous effort to be in balance and the breath can be recognized as a valuable tool for gauging one’s stability.
Just as the structure and weight of a house relies on the stability of its foundation to support its frame, so to, do we rely on our mental, emotional, and physical stability to support the balance of our being. A stable life-style will support a balanced way of being. Yoga is a system of techniques and a methodology that aims toward physical, mental, and emotional stability.
Our bodies can be very demanding and are usually quite expressive in displaying their needs. Our challenge is having the awareness to respond by giving the body what it requires, discerning between need and craving. Hatha yoga’s primary goal is to develop self-awareness, thus assisting one in recognizing subtle expressions of the body. As one becomes more stable and aware in the physical body, one naturally becomes more aware of mental activity, as one is more aware of the mental process, one gains the ability to stabilize the emotional life.
Remember, true balance will always have a stable breath. Focused stabilization of body and mind is the structure for reducing emotionality, which forms a supportive foundation for balanced self-awareness and thus a balanced way of being.
Daily Reflections
Ask yourself. . .
What is the natural rhythm of my breath? How and when is it altered?
What triggers my emotional reactions?
What can I do to be more aware of my mental activity?