meditation, is the real goal of all yoga practices. Stillness/calm mind can only be a result
of stressless-ness/restlessness!
The third method for overcoming stress is to acknowledge the role of ‘fear’ in our lives.
We all experience and hope to deal with fear in some form or the other. Sometimes
it’s a conscious fear - insecurity of unemployment for example; and other times it lies
dormant deep in the subconscious - fear of death, illness, loss. Acknowledging that we
are all fearful in varying degrees and working consciously with that fear, will open our
eyes (somewhat surprisingly) at the other ugly heads of the consequences of fear - anger,
greed, lust, envy, pride. Here again the role of a journal or attending workshops/retreats,
or being part of a self-improvement class or group is invaluable. It always helps to be part
of a support group for healthy interaction, sharing and discussion. It’s good to feel that
it is the natural human condition that we are all seeking to understand and overcome.
Lastly, the role of diet and nutrition is important in de-stressing our nervous systems of all
toxins and clogged waste matter. As Ayurveda claims - all diseases begin in the digestive
system, we need to be cautious and informed about healthy food and nutrition. It will
not help to keep endless written accounts or become a member of a fancy yoga studio,
unless we are also careful about the food we eat. Ayurveda classifies people according to
their personality and mental make-up. There are typically three kinds of ‘types’ - vata,
pitta, kapha and sometimes the ‘tridosha’ type. Each ‘type’ has certain dietary guidelines
and certain yoga asanas that benefit them. A working knowledge of Ayurveda helps in
making informed food choices.
In concluding, we can sum up by saying that the ‘trash’ we collect into our physical and
nervous systems by way of wrong thoughts, attitudes, habits, desires, food choices are all
changeable factors. If we are determined to overcome and beat stress, we can successfully
‘De-stress.’
- Jayashree Blench
Yoga instructor at Inner Strength yoga
and Healing Center, USA
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