In Indian philosophy, Indian spirituality context as we may say, YOG is of utmost importance. Yog is not just ASANAS as we sometimes limit it. But in psychological aspect, YOG is far beyond ASANAS. We can establish control on our body or in other words, we can understand and regulate our bodily activities with potential through YOG. (for eg. Dietary habits and sleep cycles). Hence YOG is said to be a bridge between mind and body. And to regulate all these means to bring harmony in thoughts, emotions and behavior. To have control over ones thoughts, emotions and behavior, is the positive suggestion of mental health.
Sans ASANAS, if we think of YOGIK life style, we would realize that human mind gets more and more enriched by every component of YOGIK activity, for eg. Pranaayaam, Dieting habbits, Dnyanyoga, Karmayoga, Bhaktiyoga jaap (chanting) etc.
Regular practice of PRANAAYAM, not only helps to get rid of many physical illness but also promotes positive thinking and boosts energy. It also minimizes speech disorders like stammering, parrot speech, babble etc.
Diet and Mental health are two sides of same coin. Our intentions, emotions, thoughts, and wants are depended upon the diet we consume. SATTVIK AHAR (literally means moral or vegetarian healthy diet) keeps us away from mental illness, i.e. mentally healthy as well as physically agile. It results in well and appropriate intentions, wants, thoughts, emotions and needs, which are very helpful in achieving our goal. As diet automatically regulates the sleep cycle and hence the behavior. If we follow the principle of not to talk while eating, it will allow us to go inside us, inside our mind, to introspect; and will help for mental development.
DNANAYOG, briefly speaking is, to understand the difference between rational thoughts and reclusion. To do things which helps us to grow towards our goal is rational. To eliminate the things which hinder us from our goal, is rational thinking. DNYAN is knowledge or cognition and In psychology, cognition refers to the thoughts, memory, perception, attention, concentration, problem solving ability, creativity etc. all these actions are performed in the accordance of specific goal, where we don’t just think of ourselves but also about society, it’s the real and vast DNYANYOG.
BHAKTIYOG, in psychological terms can be, emotions or feelings. To understand one’s own feelings along with others, to express them appropriately and with full honesty to self and others, is BHAKTIYOG. It’s not enough to change our thoughts, but when we have full faith and conviction in and about our thoughts, (rational thoughts and reclusion) then it will reflect in actions.
KARMAYOG is to do what is necessary, and not to think about the results. For this, two concepts from Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, are very helpful which are –
- Factors within our control – Which indicates the factors of our activity, we have control on (for eg , for students factors within control are to study properly, to take notes on time etc. or for teachers, to have discussions etc.)
- Factors out of control – factors which we can’t control. (for eg, how will be the paper in exam? Or when and how will be the results etc.)
If one thinks and manages the factors within control, it will help him/her to do potential work but if one focuses on factors out of control then it will lead him/her to stress, depression, anxiety, anger etc. mental instabilities.
Hence, about YOG and PSYCHOLOGY it can be said that ‘YOG brings the potential in work’.
- Prof. Tanmay L. Joshi. (Psychologist).
Mob no- 9890614667.