Physical transformation is possible, if like the ancient yogis, we follow the actions of young animals. Watch the young dog. It is always in movement and bouncing and stretching. Make physical movement a part of your daily life. As the salesmen say ‘Cover territory instead of covering your chair’. ‘Use it or lose it’ said Jane Fonda. Violent physical exercise once a week is no use, if you’re just vegetating for the rest of the week in front of the Tv or computer. Listen more and bark less, use non verbal actions to show unconditional affection to family and friends.
Listen to your body. If you are tired, rest. If you are hungry, eat. If you are lonely, communicate, ask for a hug. If you are angry, deal with your anger constructively, resolve it. The body is our vehicle for the journey of our soul in this world. You may be an immortal soul who happens to own a body, but the body-vehicle has to be maintained in good condition, so that we may achieve the goals for which we were created.
You have much to live for. Don’t become one of the many million people who have a heart attack every year. Fifty per cent die in the first five minutes. No second chance. Now is the time to adopt the daily habits of good health, because health is a 365-days-a-year affair.
Parameters For Physical Wellness
Perfect Breathing
Rest
Sleep
Oil Massage
Bath
Food
Water
Timing of food
Exercise
There are eight components of yoga.
• Follow universal moral commandments.
• Self-purification by discipline.
• Maintain good posture.
• Rhythmic control of breath.
• Withdrawal of the mind from the domination of the senses and exterior objects.
• Concentration.
• Meditation
• A thoughtless state in which one becomes one with the object of the meditation.
Start by practice the first four. Find a teacher to help you do it right. Meanwhile, follow the dog!
Article published in the Deccan Chronicle Me-Time on 17th Oct 2011