Yoga: It Can Assist

It is funny and interesting to see that even though we

may think or like to think that we more intelligent

then others or have greater insights into life, human

nature and the world then others, we are all forced by

the body, mind and the reality of life itself to chase

after and pursue the same needs and desires.

Sometimes we work for a number of years and achieve

many great things but still find that we are not

satisfied with what we have or have achieved.

The comfortable house, home and apartment that we have

put so much time and effort into getting and

maintaining may be nothing more then a prison where we

live out our days in fear or anxiety.

We will experience joy and boredom, anger and peace,

resentment and contentment and love and hatred within

the confines of our material, physical and mental

existence.

This writer has seen it among the wealthy and poor,

among the peoples of the west and the peoples of the

east, among the educated and the uneducated.

Many times, after we have achieved what it is that we

want, we may feel let down and dissatisfied or wonder

what it is we should work to and focus on next.

Sometimes we may find that in being complacent about

things and in trying to enjoy ourselves, we have

unknowingly cultivated a habit and addiction that is

making us sluggish and ignorant.

Sometimes, we just may not know what it is we feel,

how we feel and why we feel such a way and not know in

what direction to go.

When we have a purpose to our existence and clearly

understand our duties and responsibilities, we can

derive a sense of peace and wisdom from it.

Working to doing our duties and fulfilling our

responsibilities each day is an important thing for us

all to understand and do.

Regardless of where we find ourselves though, Yoga is

a path and discipline that can assist us in moving on

to a better place in life.

It can make us mentally and physically healthier, give

us a greater and more consistent energy so we can

pursue the things that we want and wish for and make

us more mindful about the motivations behind our

actions and the actions of others.

This last one is in many respects quite important, as

once we understand our own motivations we can live and

act more skillfully and in a more wholesome manner.

We can also be more open to understanding the thoughts

and actions of others which will allow us to be more

of an asset to those who may need our assistance in

some manner.

If we practice Yoga we will find that those long -

term problems we may have been experiencing on a

physical level will start to be less severe.

It is usually physical problems that cause us the most

distress and discomfort in life.

At the same time, we will start to naturally and in a

unashamed and guilt free manner look at some of our

behaviors and see what motivates them and how they may

be hurting ourselves and others.

Changes will come about, both from seeing and

understanding how they have been unskillful and

harmful and also because we will naturally feel more

balanced and joyful in the more natural state that we

come to from our practice of Yoga.

The most subtle change will be in our thoughts and

feelings, as we have greater insight into what causes

us to act in a certain manner and we see how that can

lead to all sorts of subsequent thoughts, feelings,

actions and behaviors that may not be in our best

interest to engage or indulge in.

Regardless of what an individual looks for or wants in

life, Yoga can be of assistance in them getting it.

©2004 John C. Kimbrough

(John lives and teaches in Bangkok, Thailand. He can

be reached at johnckimbrough@yahoo.com)