Self-Development through Yoga

Human beings have a self. Ordinarily we use the word ‘Self’ in the sense of ego but the term ‘self’ does not mean merely the ego. According to Indian thought the ego in us is the actor, knower and experiencer. That which performs all the functions of body and mind, is generally known ‘I’ or ‘Ego’, but it is only the reflection of the absolute called Brahman or pure consciousness.

It is said that the ego is the image of that divine spark within us, which gives it vitality and makes it do all works mental as well as physical. It is treated as a distinct entity with its own qualities and functions. As people grow, they develop their own concept of self which determines how they relate to others and perform various activities. We perceive others as persons, relate to them and develop friendship and other kinds of close relationships.

Our self concept, however, does not remain constant, rather it changes during the different stages of life.

Infancy

Children of different age groups respond differently to the images they see. Infants are found to have a visual self recognition by the age of two years but clear self awareness is not found even in the third year of age. During childhood the idea of self remains concrete.

Childhood and Adolescence

During early childhood children start defining themselves on the basis of certain psychological attributes. They start thinking about attitudes. During adolescence representations of the self become much more subtle.

They realize that they are not the same kind of person with everyone and in every situation. Identity provides a stable sense of who a person is and what one’s values and ideals are. Many adolescents experience identity confusion. They fail to have a coherent and enduring sense of self. They have difficulty in committing to roles, values and occupational choices. Some adolescents establish their identities after considerable soul searching and introspection. Others commit early without much effort. This forecloses the process of identity development.

Early Adulthood

This stage of development is characterized by the challenge of intimacy v/s isolation. Intimacy refers to the establishment of a committed relationship which is enduring. It includes both romantic as well as friendly relationships. In the course of development one needs to redefine his or her role as father or mother, uncle or aunt.

Middle Age

During this stage of life people become concerned with relating to the next generation and one’s contribution to society. During this period a person faces crisis of engaging with generative activities. In fact midlife crisis has become a popular phrase. It brings an interruption in the normal rhythm of life. For some, the changes are gradual and for others quite drastic in nature.

Old Age

In view of social mobility and disintegration of traditional family ties, many aged people lack social support and suffer from poor self concept. However, those who look back upon their life with a sense of satisfaction that they have lived it well, experience a sense of integrity. Others may have regrets and despair.

Thus, we find that the notion of self assumes different forms and undergoes continuous change during one’s life course. It reflects the changes in the experiential world of people. However, the views of self held are not merely representations of the expectations of others. They also work as a powerful force which directs behavior and shapes interactions in social situations.

Self undergoes transformation and many elements are included and excluded in one’s self structure. People often strive for an ideal self. They are expected to contribute to healthy development of society to which they belong.

All famous persons across the globe have contributed to the welfare of society. They are known for their integrity. Well integrated people contribute not only to their personal growth but also to the growth and development of society.

In the first stage, infants have difficulty in differentiating self from others. They cry when others cry and laugh when others laugh. After one year they gradually develop a sense of self as characterized by egocentric thinking. They help the other person in the ways that they themselves would want to be helped. Then comes third stage during which children show situation specific empathy. Finally, when they reach the fourth stage they come to relate their expression of distress to others when others are also in distress. In fact in the fourth stage only appropriate exhibition of empathy is demonstrated, that is, others get emotional support from those who show appropriate empathic reaction.

Children can learn helping behavior by imitating significant others (e.g. parents, siblings, teachers). Opportunities for responsibility taking, reinforcing desirable behavior as and when it occurs strengthens the development of pro social behavior.

Yoga in the development of ‘Self’ can play a very important role. Through yogic asanas, pranayama and meditation the body, mind, vital force and intellect are properly nurtured which results in healthy development. It enhances self esteem, self confidence and self respect.

Yoga is actually a systematic and properly regulated way of life.