Synergy in Yoga, Meditation and Breathing
The evolutionary adage “survival of the fittest” gave way to a new
paradigm “the fitting will thrive.” Integration of brain (hemisphers), body and
union of bodies are essential for our wellness and wellbeing of the society we
live today. The physical, cognitive or spiritual embodiments need to complement
one another for a wholisitc development of an individual. The synergy emanating
from that balanced union is wellness; and that is the key for a refined
character. Thomas Jefferson believed a strong body ensured a robust mind. Later
in his life, it was the fostered resilience that helped him to start horse
riding as an exercise. Strong body and sound thoughts complement spirituality.
None of them- body, mind or spirit- should overshadow the other; the synergy in
that unity is the base for prosperity in your identity and relationships
What
is the origin of that synergy?
Our brain is lateralized. One hemisphere of the brain
dominate in most cognitive and motor skills even though both halves could
perform the same task. For example: left side works with language and numbers
and perceiving details while right side controls proficiency in playing music and holistic perception. The
ability to communicate between the two hemispheres makes the brain powerful. If the two halves need
to communicate, both sides need to be strong. One dominating other will not create
synergy.
This communication between the right and left cerebral hemispheres is achieved
by corpus callosum- a huge bundle of fibers. Corpus callosum plays a key role
in inter-hemispheric integration and communication; it’s a key for creating
synergy between the right and left hemispheres. Thick corpus callosum observed in
meditators indicate greater connectivity between the hemispheres and higher integration
of prefrontal cerebral processes
(Neuroimage. 2012 May 15; 61(1):181-7) Mindful
breathing (accessing the power of thoracic and abdominal cavities; consciously
controlling inhalation, exhalation and holding phases as in pranayama) and
pranayama techniques also aid in removing this inherent lateralization. Yoga,
especially balancing poses, has shown to enhance hemisphere integration and synergy
in the brain function. Integrated mind-body training has great effect on the
corona radiate as well.
Can we create synergy in
our creativity, pragmatism and decision making?
Now shift from the brain to our body. Every individual is born with certain physiological
constitution. According to Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine originated
in the Indian subcontinent, these are called Doshas. Doshas would decide physical and behavioral
attributes of a person. Doshas are controlled by the contribution of universal
elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether and their related properties) and
are the blue prints for health and fulfillment. The three doshas – Vata, Pita
and Kapha- are basic body physiognomies. Vata means “wind”. Pitta means “bile”.
Kapha means “mucous or phlegm”. Once
established at birth, our body types do not change. Every dosha has its
strengths: vata- creativity; pita-Perseverance; kapha-Commitment. These three
qualities form the trio for the success. Imbalances depend on the contribution
of each dosha or its predominance. Normally one dosha predominates in a person.
This preponderance of one over others in our nature (prakruthi) establishes our
natural body type and determines our strengths and weaknesses. However, there
may be influences from other doshas.
The
acquired deviation from the prakruthi by life styles (by what we do and what we
do not do) is called vikruthi. If the proportion of doshas in one’s current
state is close to birth constitution, health will be vibrant. A divergence
between these states, however, indicates a state of imbalance. Each dosha has
several differentiating qualities or “gunas”; and has a specific location
(seat), as well as corresponding energy center (chakras). When any one of these
become excessive in any particular area, it is then considered to be in a state
of imbalance. The slings and arrows of life do not often permit us to remain in
that state of balance and we frequently find ourselves out-of-balance. The
seeds of future illnesses take root in this imbalance. It is important to
understand that weaknesses is not caused by the balance of doshas in the
prakruti, but rather by the imbalance between our prakruti, the natural body
type we were born with, and our current dosha balance. These behaviors are also controlled by certain areas in the body. Imbalances
in those areas lead to significant changes affecting the mood, behavior and
appearance of the individual. Aggravated imbalances could be controlled by practicing yoga poses suitable
for that behaviors and staying away from poses that aggravate them. One size
does not fit all in yoga. The most important quality a yogi need to have is to
know “why I am doing what I am doing” –Swadhaya (self-teaching). Do I need
grounding, uplifting, or balancing poses? Assess yourself and capitalize your
strengths to complement your limitations.
Now
we move to relationships and friendships; if our changeable brain, thoughts and
body are slices in all these amities, they should all be associable; and I
trust in the power of yoga to achieve that synergy. If you are to practice with
someone whom you care; understand their strengths and weaknesses; complement
their yoga; prop (I mean it!) them up when they falter; guide them in their
journey; or just stay with them, you make those relationships vibrant. The key
to sustenance (in yoga, life and relationships) is the social, emotional and
environmental support. That is what yoga synergy is- it is our ability to
generate synergy through yoga practice; it is our ability to create the balance
and strength required to succeed. From microscopic
level to relationships, yoga and meditation have been a valuable tool to create
synergy within our self and in those unions we are part of. It is not in the
strength of the one; it is in the balance emanating from that combination and
that is what we seek in yoga!
I want to thank my friend Monika for remarkable renditions (on the right
and the top) depicting the synergy of “two hearts”- reminding “We are not physical beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a physical
experience.” (Pierre Teillhard
de Chardin) Yoga is about the
balance in your mind, body, spirit and in the relationship you are in
Location of various chakras in the body
