Greetings All ~
Sometimes we don't have the answer. The logic of the mind can't untangle the knot of perceived choices. None of them seem quite right. There is, perhaps, a fear or a resistance to the options. The obstacles seem like they are blocking that "perfect outcome." With the worry of doubt, that infamous question of "What if...?" arises.
"What if I get Covid?"
"What if I give Covid to someone?"
"What if I don't make enough money?"
"What if I commit [to thus and such] and it doesn't work out?"
"What if they leave me and I'm alone?"
"What if my child fails?"
"What if I fail?"
"What if no one loves me?"
There are as many doubts and fears as the imagination can conjure—and the imagination is limitless! This would be the perfect time to simply sit. Just be.
It is said that, whilst in the womb, the original 40,000 brains cells are formed at the heart. As we develop, they stay, grow and then transfer new cells to the brain. But those first 40,000 stay where they began, in their purity, unaffected by the intellectual machinations of the mind.
Oh, that tricky mind. It really likes to run the show. But sometimes it doesn't solve the teasing riddles that this maya presents to us. Those problems that appear before us can't be answered by the mind. It's then we need to go to the original 40,000 to remember who the heck we really are and act from there.
Adding a steadypranayamto sitting quietly can tap into those heart cells. When we use the gift of the body—the container for Self—it brings us to that original intelligence. We drop the intellect and then we Know. Left nostril breathing is good for the heart and good for the health. It will calm you down, creating clarity.
The pranayam "Dealing with Your Own Mind" is a simple practice of this.
Sit in a comfortable meditative posture.
Block the right nostril with the right thumb and inhale deeply through the left nostril.
Exhale completely through the mouth.
Do this for just 6 minutes. You may get bored or upset during the first 3 minutes. The mind doesn't want to get caught. It will question the value of the exercise. Stick with it. The boredom and upset is an indication that those fears and doubts are clearing out.
To finish, inhale deeply, interlace the fingers and stretch them over your head, palms up. Hold your breath for 10-15 seconds while you stretch your spine upward.
Relax and just sit for a minute or two. Let the repatterned prana settle in.
Finally, enjoy this game of life!
Please let me know how you're doing.
I learn so much from you.
All Good Things,
Vicky Jap Dharam Rose