A Deeper Look Into Cobra Pose

In order for one to control their mind and body, they must fuse these two parts of the being together to make effective changes. There is a state of being called the disembodied state in which the mind is separated from the body, and this unnatural state can manifest itself in a number of negative ways. When the mind races or the body becomes ill, this state is apparent. Before negative things occur within a being, the body makes many deliberate attempts to be repaired. Aches and pains are warning us that something is not quite right internally. If you put your hand on a hot stove, would it not be painful so you know to remove it? The same idea is applied toward any negative feelings in the body. In yoga, one goes beyond physicality to reach a higher source of power, the inner being.

When the mind is conscious of all activity, it can sense the body’s unique communication methods. Yoga is a tool that allows people to tune into their inner selves. The actual places of the body from the bones to the organs can be reached by this very unique practice. Instruction allows people to make sense of this journey. An aware mind is the key to this process, but with this newly heightened sense, existing pain will become apparent. An aching lower back, or tender neck may stand out in a clear mind and relaxed body. For this reason, Bhujangasana, or the Cobra Pose is an essential asana to yoga, and the sole movement that will be further discussed. The Cobra Pose strengthens the back and tones the buttocks and legs. Circulation will become a more pronounced function, as will the kidneys. Bhujangasana and other back bending poses allow the heart to expand toward the ribs and emotions can exit this part and move throughout the body, creating overall bliss.

To begin the Cobra Pose, lay on the floor belly-side down, head touching the ground and the hands palm-side down underneath the corresponding shoulder (right hand under the right shoulder, same with the left). Simultaneously inhale and lift the upper body off the floor, from the head to the waist and lower back. The pubic bone stays in contact with the ground. It is important to know that the use of the hands should not help push the body off the ground. The spine, with help from the abdomen, should be doing most of the work. The spine should be fully extended, and the chest as widely open as possible. The back should never feel strained, and it may take time to perfect this asana. To find a comfortable point within the Cobra Pose, remove both hands from the ground so the spinal extension is the only movement lifting your upper half off the ground. Continue breathing deeply with every movement and every second that is spent in this pose. To come out of Cobra Pose, place your hands on your shoulders, keeping elbows close to the body, breathe deeply and exhale to lower the upper body. Perform the Cobra Pose several times and grow comfortable with the movements associated with it. This pose allows the body to feel the effects throughout. It is recommended that one remains in the Cobra Pose for 5 to 10 seconds or breaths so the back becomes stronger immediately. Over time, your yoga instructor and your body will help you to perform the full Cobra. It is common to become fascinated with your distance from the ground before your body is ready to stretch this far which can result in lower back injury. Pay attention to the signals your body gives you: if something is painful, ease down from the pose, or learn the limit you have been given. Your thoughts should be focused on elongating the spine. When coming down from Cobra Pose, remain flat on your belly, parallel to the ground and relax. The positive effects brought about by Bhujangasana will refresh the body and bring you joy, the way all yogasanas are intended to.

Using the Power of Meditation to Create a Better Life

Meditation is the continual, uninterrupted conscious ability to hold your mind at its quietest and calmest state. This awareness can only be achieved through great discipline and the practice of getting past the shallow, busy thoughts that plague each and every person’s mind. Our minds produce thoughts on conscious and subconscious levels; at times we may be thinking negatively without even realizing it. Meditation brings about an inner awareness that enables the person engaging in it to detach themselves from the unnecessary brainwork.

The purest form of happiness comes from a less polluted mind that filters negative activity from its space. Meditation sharpens the mind while in that very state, but it also gives a person the necessary tools to change the thought process in many other situations. Anger, jealousy, and frustration are a few of the many feelings that a person has the ability to control. By realizing a specific emotion is present (much like the way you are aware of your state of mind in meditation), you can then separate yourself from that feeling; it is not a part of you, just another passing thought. Meditation allows a person to learn different “thought behavior”. It is essentially self-manipulation of the mind.The very reason meditation has such a profound effect on numerous lives is that the process enables us to be our own witness to every aspect of thought and live “in the now”. A meditative lifestyle ensures that a person can live life this way as much as they choose to. The power of now is achieved through conscious thought and causes a person to feel more grateful and content on a daily basis.Venturing deeper inside of yourself by the power of meditation detaches people from emotional baggage, their ego, and the solid world in which we live. The true personality can shine through when negative thoughts are not present in the mind. The mind is an abstract space that is seldom calm, but when settled it benefits a person to an unbounded extent.Researchers have conducted studies on people who meditate and have found that they are often happier, more apt to be able to concentrate for long periods of time, and able to calm themselves efficiently during a state of panic, anger, or frustration. People who engage in meditation often feel that they lead more fulfilling lives. The human nature causes most humans to have insatiable appetites for material and superficial things, however, once these desires are overcome with the power of mediation, life can be lead to the fullest.

Yoga and Anger

Time and again anger is viewed as something tangible, as if it were a substance in our lives. The expressions “letting anger build” or “letting off steam” makes anger into something that can literally be built up, vented out, or fizzled out. The idea that anger holds a place in this world, in every human’s mind, is a nonexistent theory. Anger is an emotion that can be controlled, ignored, and separated from each person who the feeling affects.Although there is no part of the body that harvests anger and it cannot technically build up, it is still necessary to discuss your feelings to release negativity from your body. Anger should be a thinking process, where you first decide what is bothering you and why, then how you ought to handle the situation. Anger can serve to be a dangerous emotion if not handled properly.Anger can be an emotion on its own, or sparked by another such as jealousy, frustration, or hurt. There will never be a way to get rid of the things that cause negative emotions, but there are ways to control yourself when you have negative feelings. The tools that allow this control can be found through meditation and the teachings of yoga.Many people view yoga as an exercise regimen, but it is so many other things: an ancient belief system, a method for positive thinking, mind-awareness, and the list goes on. Meditation is an excellent way to calm your nerves because you learn patience. It is not easy to sit quietly in one position while you try to free your mind of thought. If you learn to tolerate the difficulties your own mind creates, you are more able to tolerate the verbalized thoughts of those around you.Meditation also teaches one to separate themselves from their emotions. You are not angry, it does not define you, but when the feeling is present you should immediately recognize it and send it on its way. There are so many other wonderful things that denote who a person is, and anger should not be listed as part of your make up.Another great release of anger is through asanas. These yogic postures are held for specific periods of time, and require a lot of concentration which leaves no room for anger or other negative feelings. The pranayama, or special breathing, is essential during this time and relaxes the body if any tension is present.Yoga refreshes a person’s entire being. This ancient practice has the ability to change people’s lives, and it does. If you are having a difficult time dealing with anger or negativity in your life, I urge you to try yoga.