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