In yoga,just like any other exercise, the success depends on the
attention paid to the exercise or asana. The reasons are not difficult
to seek. We all have heard of situations where a weak little woman
under the control of a hypnotist has overcome the concentrated efforts
of four strong men to move her from her place; she has been able to
lift weights which could not be lifted by even two or three men.
While such phenomena are not meant to extol the
practice of hypnotism, they give us a marvelous demonstration of the
power of concentrated will over the physical organism.
The theory of "mind over matter" has been proved in
numerous other cases. In one example, this has been proved in a
physical training class where students performed feats in weight
lifting. The students were instructed to use all the physical energy
at their disposal. The results as to the amount of weight lifted,
length of time required etc. were recorded. Then the class was given
some brief explanation of the power of mind over matter and over
physical constituents of the body and asked to exert power of their
will to the uttermost while repeating the same feats. It was found
that the lifting power of the members of the class, thus reinforced by
intellectual effort and the power of the will had increased from one
third to one half.
The cells and organs making up the body should be
under the control of the will. In technical terms, it implies that the
cells should be physiologically and psychologically negative to the
positive mind. In most cases, this polarity is reversed. The minds are
negative and subject to the control of the body. The slightest pain
fills the mind with fear and anxiety.
The aim of the psychological exercises is to
correct this polarity where the dominance of the mind is established
over the body.
Importance of Psychological Exercise
Extremely beneficial in strengthening mental control over physical
activity.
Helps in the treatment of physical disease by helping to normalize and
energies the functions of the body and helping surmount pain.
Helps in treatment of mental disorders by helping
in the correction of weakening of reason.
Preparation for Psychological Exercises
Tensing of muscles should be done in such a way so as not to strain
the muscles. Straining and exhaustion will be decidedly harmful.
At first continue the exercises until slight fatigue is felt.
On an average 15-20 minutes will be enough for each movement.
The exercises may be modified or added according to individual
needs.
Conscious tensing and relaxing exercises must be accompanied always
by deep, rhythmic breathing.
Exercises Plan
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