Yogic Practice overcomes negative thoughts and deeds

As we navigate through life, we work to build positive qualities, be it consciously or unconsciously. We try to figure out where we stand in this world, and what values we should follow in our everchanging environment as these are reflections of our true beliefs and ultimately, shape our character.

Iceberg analogy

We can look at the distinction between Personality and Character as described by Stephen Covey, using an iceberg analogy. Our personalities are the bit above the water, what we present to the wider world. This includes what we say and do, how we dress, how we present ourselves and how we interact with others.

To some extent, these personalities are shallow and can be a bit of an act that is disconnected from our core selves. Our character, however, is the bit below the water and comprises of human traits such as integrity, courage, humility, trustworthiness, compassion and so on.

If we want to cultivate positive qualities and values, we must first be aware of our negative traits in behaviour or thought.  In turn, this enables us to focus on their opposites to develop positive attitudes and thoughts. This requires careful observation of our responses to external situations that trigger our mental state.

Cultivating the opposite thought

This process of moving from the restrictive and negative to the expansive and positive is known as ‘Pratipaksha Bhavana’ or cultivation of the opposite thought.

Yogic philosophy states that we cannot change ourselves without firstly identifying different qualities in relation to our nature, behaviour and attitude. One cannot acquire a positive quality or value by just superimposing an idea on their behaviour or mentality. Yoga applies the formula: first self-recognition and then self-transformation.

Meditative approach: This includes Relaxation, Awareness and Willpower, or the will to change (Sankalpa).

Relaxation: This enables us to manage normal levels of tensions and mind-wandering more effectively.   By  not being subject to mental highs and lows, it alleviates self-created barriers. We then have the ability to analyse and reflect upon what has happened to make a correct judgement or decision.

Awareness: This implies that we have an understanding of what needs to change, and that we are able to use past experiences to manage or transform a particular condition or situation. As we develop greater awareness, we are able to tap into our intellectual abilities further.

Willpower: This third dimension is tuning our mind to an idea, an action, a belief which motivates us to achieve the aim we have set for ourselves. When there is harmony between our personality, our values and aspirations, blockages are easily removed and we are better positioned to achieve our goals.

 For those new to the concept of Yoga Nidra, it is also known as yogic sleep or sleep with awareness, which allows for deep physiological and psychological release.

It fosters a quiet mind, quiet body and a blissful spirit.

Let us focus on a single positive quality every month or every quarter and look for opportunities to put that chosen quality into practice.