Applications of Yoga in Life

1. Studies

The main hurdle in preparing for studies is that we study for hours together and still retain hardly anything because our mind wanders and does not remain fixed on the task of learning the lesson.

In the practice of Yoga, when we learn to perform Asana and Pranayama, our breathing becomes long and deep. We focus our attention on a particular spot. When this focused mind is applied to studies, it grasps the ideas and concepts better. It can retain the learning material more effectively.

In other words, Yoga improves learning and memory. When we appear for examination, our mind is cool and composed. So an unexpected question does not disturb us. Even if we study very hard sometimes we do not get the expected results and our mind gets clouded by anxiety and depression. Regular practice of Yoga frees us from depression. Yoga teaches us how to involve our self in doing our best and leave the rest in the hands of the Lord.

2. Relationships

Our relationships with persons around brings to us both joy and pain. We are constantly seeking fulfillment through friends, family members and colleagues at our work-places. When we practice yoga, co-operation takes the place of competition. Instead of making constant and unreasonable demands from others, we learn to give selfless love to others.

While making friends, we learn to give greater importance to the inner qualities than to outer appearances. The sage Patanjali gives important advice regarding our reactions in relationships. He says,

"Make friendship with those who are awake to the higher values of life and try to put them into practice. There is less likelihood of misunderstanding in their company. For those who are in misery, we must have compassion. We should not be self-centered. We should feel happy in the progress and prosperity of others. There should be no shadow of envy or rivalry in our minds. Towards the wicked, we should have indifference. It is not worth spending your precious energy - mental or emotional on their bad deeds".

Being intolerant towards others and getting irritated unnecessarily spoils our mind. We can be aware of our reactions towards others and develop a habit of giving a positive response to even a negative situation, that is, emotional balance. This can be achieved only by practicing yoga regularly.

3. Work

Work or employment should be seen as a joyous opportunity for self expression and growth. What do we see in the offices? Boredom, clock watching, politics, fights between workers and management! Our work should be seen in terms of what we can give to it rather than what we get from it.

Good posture, deep breathing and gentle stretching will help you to keep relaxed at the work-place. Pausing for a moment and watching your breath immediately makes you relaxed. It is good to be creative in your work. Try to find new ways of doing things. Learn to enjoy even the routine work. Gita says that the art of doing work in an excellent way without expecting fruit is Yoga.

4. Health

Why do we fall ill? Usually it happens because of some kind of imbalance in our physical and mental systems. Conflicts create blockages in the flow of life-force or Prana leading to diseases. Illness, depression, sulkiness all are the symptoms of negativity and obstructions in the flow of life-force.

Through pranayama and meditation, we gradually free ourselves from the negativity and re-experience our natural state of vibrant health and energy. Usually, the life-force or Pranic energy flows in the body where it is needed without our conscious control or even awareness on our part. It is possible through the use of will and Yogic techniques to direct the life-force wherever we want.

It is possible to energize the whole system, heal the injured or diseased area or even heal others. Will is the master switch that draws the Pranic energy into the body and directs it to flow wherever it is needed. The connection between human will and life- force is the key to healing.