When we are too focused on the outer world, on our physical body and our ever-fluctuating emotions, we often do not pay attention to how different parts of our body work. We do not pay attention to the mutual coherence of our organs and glands and the way our physiologic processes work with our energy centres, until the moment we get sick.
A good example is the Corona crisis. The impact of this crisis is huge. There is a fear of infection, but also loss of jobs and income and associated consequences, such as loneliness and insomnia. In short, the crisis has brought about a lot of emotional stress. In my work as a volunteer counsellor, the number of clients who call to talk about health problems is growing. They struggle with things like insomnia, headaches, loneliness and depression. Emotional stress can lead to mental and physical fatigue, disrupting the entire nervous system and thereby weakening the immune system.
Often people suffer from the consequences of emotional distress, even after the period of illness. The same will undoubtedly be true for this period of the Coronavirus pandemic. Emotional distress weakens the body’s functions and processes and does not allow proper recovery. Mental health and physical health go hand in hand. If one is not well mentally, it will affect his or her physical health and vice versa.23
Through my personal experiences in other difficult situations, I have experienced the positive effects of yoga. Yoga has the potential to generate life energy, accelerate recovery and re-establish joy in life. This is important because the disturbance of bodily functions affects our ‘life energy’ or ‘Prāṇa’.
Research has demonstrated the anatomical, physiological and psychological effects of yoga when practiced, in addition to regular treatments. The Santa Cruz Yoga Institute in Bombay, for example, has shown that various respiratory diseases heal better and faster with a thorough yoga therapy program of postures, prāṇāyāma and meditation in addition to regular medication24. Minor conditions were even cured without regular medication25.
In the past, I have helped a group of alcohol and drug addicts and people with depression with a special yoga program in addition to their regular treatment. Activating postures, especially the sun salutation, were alternated with powerful breathing techniques and mantra recitation, combined with Trataka (one-pointed concentration on a candle flame). From time to time, I still meet two people from this group. They feel good, have jobs and socially active lives.
Yoga deepens our connection with our higher consciousness, our subtle body, through the physical body. Body and mind are not separate components but are interwoven and in continuous interaction with each other.
Balance postures from Yoga have several benefits. It influences the immune system for example through backward bends, ‘hastapādāsana’ (hand to foot) and the sun salutation. The postures massage the organs, which boosts the lymphatic system ultimately strengthening the immune system.
Yoga Nidrā also has several benefits. It is very effective in fighting stress, insomnia and chronic fatigue. It also reduces the chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatism, hernia and other conditions. Yoga Nidrā is a deep relaxation technique that not only fosters the relaxation of muscles but also affects deep consciousness. The English name for it, neuromuscular relaxation, explains much more than the translation ‘yoga of sleep’. For it is not the intention to fall asleep during Yoga Nidrā, but to remain conscious in the state of intense relaxation.26
We breathe in oxygen to live, but that oxygen has to be converted into prāṇa, vital life energy to be used effectively in our daily activities. The idea is that breath is the source of life and the most vital process in the body. It affects all the cells in our entire system. Breathing is the bridge between body and mind and has profound effects on both, including our physical and mental health. Prāṇāyāma helps to regulate and correct our way of breathing and to purify our physiological system. This reduces anxiety, depression and other strong negative emotions. Kapālabhāti, for example, increases lung capacity, increases oxygen uptake, revitalizes the forebrain and provides mental relaxation. Other effective Prāṇāyāma exercises are Bhrāmarī (buzzing bee) and Anuloma Viloma (alternating breath).27
Regular practice of meditation connects us with our inner Self. This lays the foundation for trust, creativity, flexibility, positive doing and thinking, and effective handling of stressful situations, such as the current Corona crisis.
One of the tools to prepare oneself for meditation is to recite a mantra 108 times (‘japa’). This helps one-pointed concentration, calms the mind and influences the entire nervous system. ‘Aum Namaḥ Śivāya’ is a powerful, transforming and easy to pronounce mantra. Reciting the mantra AUM 108 times, has soothing and powerful physical and mental effects.
The Bhagavad Gītā, one of the most important Hindu scriptures, teaches us to become aware of our ignorance and attachment to only worldly perishable things in life. This is a lifelong learning process of decision-making. An open mind and continuous alertness are the basic attitudes. In the Corona crisis, I have to recharge myself again and again. My sādhanā (spiritual practice) performs miracles.
Yoga practice remains a process of striving, surrender, perseverance and patience. Every small step will lead to more. Persistence gets rewarded and makes one thankful.
Aum, Asato mā sadgamaya, Tamaso mā jyotir gamaya
Mṛtyor mā amritaṃ gamaya
(Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad 1.3.28)
Interpretation in the light of the Covid19 crisis:
Lead us from ignorance to insight, Lead us from crisis to peace
Connect us to our Divine spark
References:
Rama, S., Ballentine, R., & Ajaya, S. (1976). Yoga and Psychotherapy: The evolution of consciousness. Himalayan Institute Press. Vivekananda, R. (2005). Practical yoga psychology.
A cure for Asthma & Bronchitis, Yogic Life, Hansa Jayadeva Yogendra, Armati N Desai- 1997, The Yoga Institute, Sri Yogendra Marg, Prabhat Colony, Santa Cruz (E), Mumbai 400 055. Cyclopeadia YOGA Vol 1: with special information on Asana, edited by Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra Ph.D., 1997, The Yoga Institute, Sri Yogendra Marg, Prabhat Colony, Santa Cruz (E), Mumbai 400 055.
Cyclopeadia YOGA Vol 2: A systematic programme on Yoga education for the child and the adult, edited by Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra Ph.D., 1989, The Yoga Institute, Sri Yogendra Marg, Prabhat Colony, Santa Cruz (E), Mumbai 400 055.
Prana Pranayama Prana Vidya, Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati, 2005, Yoga Publications Trust, Munger, Bihar, India.
Yoga Nidra, Swami Satyananda Saraswati, 1998, Yoga Publications Trust, Munger, Bihar, India.
Footnotes
23. Rama, S., Ballentine, R., & Ajaya, S. (1976). Yoga and Psychotherapy: The evolution of consciousness. Himalayan Institute Press. Vivekananda, R. (2005). Practical yoga psychology.
24. A cure for Asthma & Bronchitis, Yogic Life, Hansa Jayadeva Yogendra, Armati N Desai- 1997, The Yoga Institute, Sri Yogendra Marg, Prabhat Colony, Santa Cruz (E), Mumbai 400 055. Cyclopeadia YOGA Vol 1: with special information on Asana, edited by Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra Ph.D., 1997, The Yoga Institute, Sri Yogendra Marg, Prabhat Colony, Santa Cruz (E), Mumbai 400 055.
25. Cyclopeadia YOGA Vol 2: A systematic programme on Yoga education for the child and the adult, edited by Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra Ph.D., 1989, The Yoga Institute, Sri Yogendra Marg, Prabhat Colony, Santa Cruz (E), Mumbai 400 055.
26. Prana Pranayama Prana Vidya, Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati, 2005, Yoga Publications Trust, Munger, Bihar, India.
27. Yoga Nidra, Swami Satyananda Saraswati, 1998, Yoga Publications Trust, Munger, Bihar, India.
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