Over 3,000 years ago Yogis determined that “mind over matter” was the key to a happier, healthier life: that it’s our minds, not our bodies, which are the source of most suffering.
The practice of Yoga is largely about controlling the thinking aspect of our minds, and thereby our actions. Frankly, our selves and our actions are all we can control; the natural law of cause and effect (Karma) is responsible for everything else.
There are four general types of thoughts, or states of mind:
• Correct
• Incorrect
• Imagined
• Remembered
There are five general types of emotions which “color” or influence those thoughts, or states of mind:
• Ignorance
• Ego
• Attraction
• Aversion
• Fear
Not surprisingly, a correct, “uncolored” state of mind is most conducive to clear, calm thinking: making it easier to consider outside events and influences more objectively before (re)acting.
There are three sources of correct thoughts:
• Witness
• Inference
• Confirmation
Practice discerning between the types, and influences of your thoughts – and cultivating a calm, clear, correct mindset.
