The inner path: calming the mind When the word yoga is mentioned, many people immediately think of the physical exercises, the asanas. They have achieved a high status in the Western world because they promise a flexible body, a toned figure, and stable health. We are familiar with them primarily from Hatha Yoga or from more extreme, modern variations such as Power Yoga (fast exercises) and Bikram Yoga (exercises in a heated room) . It is often forgotten that the royal path of classical yoga consists of eight parts: five for the outer path – including the asanas – and three for the inner path.
These three parts are called:
Dharana: complete concentration
Dhyana: meditation
Samadhi: oneness with the object of attention
The individual path
This may sound strange and difficult to you. But don't be discouraged. The fact is that the inner path is a very subjective one: Only you can walk it. You can neither do it for someone else, nor can anyone else do it for you. It's about the search for self-knowledge, for your own essence. That's why there is no universally valid path that works as a panacea for everyone.
By concentrating completely, you block out all distractions. This is where mindfulness in everyday life comes in: being completely present in what you're doing. This way, you tame the chaos of thoughts that constantly plagues you, distracts you, and makes you unfocused and insecure.
Simple rituals
To prepare for a meditative practice, all you need is a quiet space. If you like, take a few deep breaths and/or try some simple breathing exercises like alternate nostril breathing. Some people find it helpful to practice a few asanas. However, this will make the practice significantly longer overall.
Concentration and meditation can be practiced. A popular example is a burning candle, which you place about an arm's length away from you so that your gaze is directed slightly downwards. But it can also be a bowl or any other object. You sit comfortably in front of it and concentrate completely on this object. This exercise sounds easy, but it is not. Your thoughts keep jumping around; you remember something, have your day's plan in mind, or something important occurs to you. The trick is to notice these leaps in your thoughts but to let them pass. You can watch them like clouds floating by and let go internally. In this moment, only sitting and concentrating is important, nothing else. Everything else can wait until you have finished your exercise.
An alternative is immersion, where you keep your eyes closed and focus solely on an inner image. Imagine, for example, a favorite place. It should be a strong, positive image. This exercise can be done anywhere and at any time.
Start your practice with a five-minute session—especially as a beginner, you'll find that sustained concentration is almost impossible at first. Practice this exercise regularly, ideally daily: you'll always find five minutes when you really want it.
Growing internally
The goal of all your efforts is to strengthen your self. Over time, you will become more relaxed, and the pursuit of wealth and material things—the external factors in our lives—will diminish. It is your inner reality, your spiritual self, that truly matters. You will learn about a power of the heart that will make you a better person: One of the basic tenets of yoga philosophy is to harm no one; to recognize other people and their faults, but to accept them without judgment. In the best case, you will not only be able to tolerate them, but even empathically understand them.
The inner path calms your mind and allows it to function clearly. This allows you to cope with everyday life more easily and radiate a strong inner strength.
Image © filmfoto / 123rf.com
