Friday, 21 July 2023
Saturday, 15 July 2023
NATIONAL SEMINAR ON
PROMOTING POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL BEING
ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY; KAKATIYA UNIVERSITY WARANGAL; TS
TOPIC: YOGA, MEDITATION AND SPIRITUALITY
2019
Dr.N.Jyothirmayi
Assistant Professor; M.Ed Faculty; 2018-2019
College of Teacher Education (CTE)
AMS (Andhra Mahila Sabha)/ DDMS
Hyderabad:
E-mail: s.madhuha@gmail.com
If you are really looking for truth don’t assume anything – just seek
BY JAGGI VASUDEV “Sadguru “ISHA
ABSTRACT
According to the aim of this scientific event which is to discuss case studies, theoretical and critical approaches to positive psychology in the context of mental health and well being, the present article reveals the study on a focussed small group of 20 members practising Yoga, Meditation and Spirituality through direct participant observation and discussion where the investigator looks in-depth into the effect of yoga meditation and spirituality on the positive psychology. The participating individuals’ observation showed that there is significant positive relation between yoga, meditation and spirituality with over all well being of the individuals in the group.
KEY WORDS: Positive Psychology, Mental Health, Well Being, Yoga, Meditation and Spirituality
INTRODUCTION
In the present societal context where Commercialisation, Industrialisation, Globalisation have immense toll on individual health, positive psychology aims at overall well being of the individual especially in emotional social physical and mental areas.
Ill health is the loss of balance in the perspective of positive psychology. There are many techniques striving to bring in healthy balance into every individuals life. Among such traditional techniques revival and upsurge of techniques like Reiki, Yoga, Meditation, Spirituality and Rituals is taking place in order to deal with the present scenario of the society to transform it into healthy and a befitting society.
Yoga meditation spirituality are all experiential sciences more practised and experienced, all three being subjective , needs committed work in order to gain its full benefits through a guru or spiritual guide.
Scientific research has shown that the very fundamentals of the brains activity, inner chemistry and genetic predispositions can be changed by practicing certain systems of yoga and meditation. Yoga meditation and spirituality are essentially different dimensional technologies to change the shape or nature of who we are.
Taking charge of our health moving from gross to subtle and moving to a state of higher level of consciousness through meditation and yoga is spirituality. This being the case, branch of positive psychology will be utmost beneficial to the mankind if it uses the techniques that take the help of meditation, spirituality and yogic sciences
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:
1. To find the relative effect of yoga meditation and spirituality on physical, mental health and overall well being.
2. To know the extent to which such Indian ancient cultural practices will be beneficial for the recently developed positive psychology.
3. To know how the age old problems even though were less in measure and depths compared to present times are alienated with such ancient traditional techniques.
HYPOTHESES
1. There exists an effect of Yoga, Meditation and Spirituality on the physical health, mental health and overall wellbeing of the individuals.
2. There exists usefulness of Yoga, Meditation and Spirituality in solving varied physical, social & psychological problems which range from simple to complicated versions.
3. There exist techniques in Yoga, meditation & Spirituality capable of tackling both the age old and modern problems with same effect along with the treatment of the chronic ailments.
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF THE OPERATIONAL TERMS USED:
YOGA: Yoga is the union with the entire existence or cosmos. It is the alignment of body, mind, breath and energies for opening the gates of higher dimensions leading to self–transcendence. Hence yoga is the ultimate goal in abstract sense to be achieved by the seeker or sadhak for connecting with higher consciousness and attaining self-realization.
More than a set of physical postures yoga is a science not only to determine the nature of who we are And what we want to be but also for changing the very fundamentals of our existence.
MEDITATION: According to Kamalesh.D.Patel ‘Daaji’ of Sahaj Marg - “Meditation is just silencing the mind without any thought. Meditation is a process in which we shift from thinking to feeling. It is a journey from the complexity of mind to the simplicity of heart.”
SPIRITUALITY: Many think spirituality is opposite of materialism and a different style of living or different way of life but spirituality is a part and parcel of life we cannot separate it from life like emotional , physical , intellectual or social dimensions of any individual.
Hence Spirituality is not just a concept to talk about it’s a part of life to be accepted and being who you are. According to Sadguru JV “If we cultivate our body mind emotions and energies to a certain level of maturity something else blossoms in us - that is what is spirituality “
METHODOLOGY
Direct and Participant observation method is used with participant observation of a 20 member focussed group.
ABOUT THE GROUP OPTED FOR THE PRESENT STUDY
The focussed group of 20 participants in the Isha Foundation run seven day program of Inner Engineering revealed the changes occurred in their behaviour patterns health issues thought patterns etc after 40 day Mandala program and two Satsang sessions. The seven day program mainly involved yoga asanas, meditation techniques and spiritual discourses.
PARTICIPANTS:
Participants with chronic diseases, other ailments both physical and psychological were present in the program. Participants above 12 yrs were of varied age groups and from different fields. Mainly students, software professionals, teaching community persons, health professionals, businessmen, entrepreneurs, retired employees and others participated in the program. Participants were from the gender, both men and women. Women who were working, married, unmarried, housewives, pregnant & mothers of different age groups participated in the group program.
INSTRUMENT
At the end of each session participants were called on to note down and reveal their , observed changes in their health , behaviour etc.
ANALYSIS OF THE OBSERVATIONS:
The observations were segregated, based on the ailments they were facing before the program and their experiences regarding different dimensions of consciousness.
OBSERVATIONS:
The systematically planned program went on successfully. The observations included the following:
1. Change in Behaviour
2. Better sleep
3. Change in Eating habits
4. Timely Waking up
5. Enhancement of Study skills
6. Better Concentration
7. Memory improvement
8. Undergone Higher levels of experience
9. Experienced Happiness / State of blissfulness
10. Experienced Contentment / Feelings of joy
11. Better social and emotional adjustment at home and work place
12. Changing to the best dietary habits
13. Concentrating on meaningfulness.
14. Experienced Aesthetic momentary glimpses.
15. Concentrating more on present rather than on past or future etc
FINDINGS
There was drastic improvement and slow development in the different areas of physical, social, emotional, psychological wellbeing of the individuals after the participants in the group have undergone the program moving towards positive over all wellbeing of the individual.
OPINIONS:
An opinion from a participant after the program in his own words, initially it was like uff, I have to do all these practices but as days passed practice became easy. Body is supporting very well and daily I will be eager to do yoga practice. It’s synching into my life smoothly. The benefits I observed for me are:
1. Sound sleep
2. Food control ( proud to say that craving for food is gone totally)
3. I observe change in my perception of looking at things everything, is like never before.
4. My breathing pattern has changed- it’s like settled and smooth
There may be other things which I couldn’t notice but I’m sure something is happening within me. On this note I would like to thank Sadguru for giving IE to the world and wish all others to take IE. I also thank Program Teachers, Volunteers and my IE group members for being there and helping each other. I continue doing Yoga practice two times a day even after Mandala may be my body scolds me if I do not. Thank you one and all. Pranam.
EXTRAODINARY EXPERIENCES IN SPIRITUALITY
During spiritual journey many undergo different subjective experiences as mentioned by group participants especially exuberance, visions etc. An analytical note on the subjective experiences is mentioned below as a precautionary measure so that getting carried away by such experiences to extremity is not at all recommended by any techniques of spirituality.
As has been pointed out by Swami Saradananda in “Ramakrishna- The great master” - That which does not lead to steadfastness and strength of character, that which does not enable the man to take a stand on the rock of purity for the sake of truth in defiance of the whole world, or that which entangles him more and more in various kinds of desires instead setting him free from them, is outside the realm of spirituality.
If extraordinary visions etc have not produced such results in sadhak (one who practices ascetic life) life and nevertheless they are having those visions, know that sadhak is still outside the realm of spirituality and that they are due to a diseased brain and so are of no value, if on the other hand instead of having wonderful visions and experiences, sadhak finds himself acquiring strength, know for certain that sadhak is on the right path and that sadhak will also have these visions and experiences at a proper time.
Sri Ramakrishna consoled a disciple who could not experience Bhavasamadhi “Know that for certain that true faith and renunciation are far greater. Swami Vivekananda generally did not have such experiences but his renunciation, faith, vigour and steadfastness are far greater.
Swami Vivekananda also laid more stress on character than subjective experiences like visions etc. The purpose of all spiritual disciplines - knowledge, devotion, concentration or work -has been pointed out by Sri Sankara, the great harmonizer, as chittasuddhi, purification of the mind. In the purified mind knowledge or devotion or whatever you may call it, dawns and liberation is achieved which is the ultimate goal of all spiritual disciplines.
CONCLUSION:
Positive Psychology indeed needs such ancient Indian techniques to enhance over all well being of the individual. But this article envisions, states and concludes that for the person who aims at the ultimate goal of spiritual disciplines through yoga and meditation , the Physical, mental health and overall well being of individual advocated by the positive psychology becomes their natural acquisition as huge magnet attracts the iron pieces.
REFERENCES:
Service and Spirituality; Swami Swahananda Published by Ramakrishna Math 1986
Isha Newsletters; Isha Forest Flower magazines
Sahaj Marg online Daily quotes
THANK YOU
Monday, 5 June 2023
Monday, 24 October 2016
Stories of Endurance
Rohit
Amidst wails and yellings, a distinct voice cried out "Rohit" . A boy of 13 yrs old lean with large eyes and sharp looks reciprocated " it's me ". A nurse looked at him and came to him after noting down the details she shuffled away.
With weakening and painful vomitings never giving him a gap to think anything else, Rohit clasped his hands around his knees that were kicking into his stomach to console him out of his pain. Without whimpering, he held all the pain between his teeth.
Rohit was pulled into this world, when he was born, with forceps as his head wasn't small enough to slide down easily through the passage. Maybe that was the reason why his head had a little bit different shape.
Rohit always stood 1st in class. He is an intelligent warm-hearted affectionate well-matured guy. Everybody will accept and like him because he accepts and likes everyone.
In his cranium, his life hid like the life concealed in a parrot. Doctors operated his head and bound it with wires to give it a proper shape. And while operating they detected almighty's biological fault in his cranium. The cranial fluid is not being drained into the body system. Doctors after ten long years, when he was mature enough, corrected the creator's fault. A shaft was placed through his head into the digestive system through which the cranial fluid started draining out.He was alright for two years but now the problem started reappearing and it relapsed in the form of infection engulfing the shaft.For this reason, he had been admitted again to the hospital.
Doctor's cut and stitched his cleanly shaved head the tonsure,thrice for the reasons best known to them.But the fortitude with which Rohit encountered these surgeries was astonishing. Medical staff pierced his whole body with needles at last glucose was let into his body through the blood vessel on his neck He said, "Nurse don't inject when I am asleep please wake me up so that I can face it."I think that would be a better one."
Watching his pitiful condition everyone's eyes were filled with tears. But the enduring element in his mind was unbelievable. He said,"Will you leave at least little blood in me you are pulling out so much and so many times . Why don't you take it all at one time only, for all the tests nurse."
He struggled victoriously throughout those surgeries and post-surgery periods .He curbed all his negative feelings and did not let self-pity crumple his mental strength. He said to his uncle it's nice that aunt hasn't come if not it would have been very hard for the aunt to climb all these steps." When his mother seeing his fate was crying, he was embarrassed and he said, "Now please stop crying I know I will be alright and we'll go back soon so don't cause inconvenience to others."
Right at that time, world especially India was going through world cup fever. Rohit loves cricket and he is one of the voracious viewers of the television matches. He spoke to everyone as if he got accustomed to the hospital. "It seems this hospital has become my home. I come here so many times and I stay here so much time." He never hesitated to ask doctors to relieve him immediately in order to watch the cricket match on TV. He kept on annoying doctors asking about cricket score. His doctor inevitably had to find out the score to inform Rohit.The doctor wondered what a curious thing to say.Yet Rohit continued to think and talk about cricket . Everyone felt comfortable with him. He never cried nor allowed anyone to cry . He was at the crux of the problem yet he was not drowned by the emotional dumpings. Along with him, everyone knew that a narrow line separated him from death. We who always struggle with ourselves in emotional turbulence should know that no struggle is greater than fight with the death and fight to the death. Bravery is not only the virtue of military men , it is also the virtue of patients like our Rohit.
Everyone was impressed with his courage. At last, he could watch the world cup finals at his home but that year India lost the match yet their game spirit was applauded by everyone.Maybe that was the day when Rohit really felt sad even though he won his life from death. He was a winner. Yes, he is our Handsome Hero. And equally our Role Model.
WE ALL LOVE YOU ROHIT.
Saturday, 9 November 2013
Tuesday, 5 November 2013
NORMAL AND ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR
Now a days it has become common to use words like depression, obsession, addiction and fear psychosis etc. but each has their own existence with vast area and require in depth study. For example psychosis is a very heavy and bigger term to depict extreme fear. Hallucinations and delusions lacking reality are the main symptoms of psychosis. Psychosis is similar to fever where the reason cannot be easily identified.
There is always a stigma existing with 'abnormal' word as caste ism brings stigma. Hence anyone who uses the words related to abnormality should use them with care and caution.Any abnormal behavior can be identified through proper channel of Inventories, Questionnaires, Interviews and continuous observation.
Day by day abnormality is slowly becoming part and parcel of daily life. Each one of us know the reasons. commercialization, technology losing one's culture, traditions, joint family system and values etc may be the external reasons but lack of meaning in life and existence of a vacuum in one self is the main internal reason.
Suddenly a Teacher is fired out of job in a institution and other teachers doesn't even know why then they face anxiety. As teaching community especially in private sector is amids't insecurity , anxiety and various pressures with masked and cover up behaviors its obvious that students cannot be expected much.
As per the students behavior mostly it is group behavior. Few number of students leads to more efficient behavior. Students in adolescent age have adolescent behavioral patterns which are very much normal and subside gradually and students enter the mainstream.Its time consuming process but nature takes care of it.
In order to mold anyone understanding, sympathy , recognition, care, concern, time and patience are utmost required. Of course effect of media, movies, peer culture cannot be changed but the effect of them can only be directed and channelized to certain extent in the right way.
But practicality always has a major role to play . Education has entered a commercial arena and everything in it is defined by its terms and conditions. This is the reality which every one has to accept.
Learning disability students are being identified through out the educational ladder but is it practical to place the problem before students, teachers, parents and provide them necessary training by the professionals ?
If a student commits suicide as being declared it is easily ascribed to either love failure, domestic problems and depression. But there may be unseen , not cared for reasons behind, where society may have instigated to take such sudden decision quick action or may be people around them brought them that fate. Then in that case a question arises who is abnormal ? and who has to be treated ?
Examination anxiety is common. Deep breathing , meditation , realizing that fear as normal and common thing in every one reduces anxiety . Being in the fear arousing situations i.e writing exams mock exams or real exams itself reduces irrational fear towards exams.
A counselor is needed for every educational institution whose help, suggestions are to be valued and are to be applied. Again many practical issues hinder the process.
Owing to the good intentions each and everyone has to analyze their own behavior how much of it is normal and human {caring, compassion, sharing devoid of over self centered thinking}
Above all we are human and sometimes it is completely alright to be little bit abnormal and laughing heartily afterwards thinking about it and relaxing happily. Because many of the attitudes, beliefs , situations and unconscious experiences, BEHAVIOR cannot be controlled and changed that easily.
Astropsychology has also entered the field of psychology . Experiments in telepathy, hypnosis are being conducted in Parapsychology which might reveal new ways, channelize and improve connections between teacher and students as in Indian Traditional Guru Sishya Parampara.
written by
Dr. N. Jyothirmayi
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