Yoga is not just a mere physical fitness gimmick. But beyond, it’s also for a higher mental and spiritual well-being. The way of life presented by yogic has been on Earth for centuries and remains relevant up till now. Among the many benefits of yoga, positive thinking is one that stands out.
By embracing certain pillars of yoga, we can train our minds to think positively, leading to a more joyful and fulfilling life. Today, we’ll walk you through the four among many pillars of yoga for positive thinking and how you can embrace them in your daily life. So grab your mat, take a deep breath, and let’s dive into the world of yogic philosophy.
Ahimsa: Non-Violence
Ahimsa, or non-violence, is considered the primary virtue in yogic philosophy. It means to refrain from causing harm to oneself and others through thoughts, words, and actions. Ahimsa teaches us to be kind towards ourselves and those around us. When we practice ahimsa, we become more mindful of our thoughts and emotions.
We start to notice when negative thoughts arise and learn how we can transform them into positive ones. This mindfulness also helps us become aware of our behavior toward others. Choosing plant-based foods over meat products is one of the easiest to apply.
Satya: Truthfulness
Yogic also teaches us how to be truthful with our lives, as it can greatly impact our lives and others. It doesn’t just mean speaking the truth but also living in alignment with it. This requires self-reflection and awareness of our thoughts, words, and actions. Many times we are not truthful because we fear the consequences of speaking up or being honest about something. However, this only perpetuates negativity in our lives and relationships. When we start to practice Satya, we become more authentic and gain the trust of those around us.
Embracing Satya goes beyond just being honest with others; it requires honesty with ourselves too. Through mindfulness practices like meditation and self-reflection, we can cultivate an unwavering commitment to living in truth every day.
Brahmacharya: Wisdom
Brahmacharya is another major pillar we need to learn today. It focuses on wisdom. This principle emphasizes the importance of self-control, discipline, and celibacy to attain true knowledge. In essence, Brahmacharya means walking in the path of Brahman or divine consciousness. In modern times, Brahmacharya has been misunderstood as just celibacy, but that’s not entirely true. While sexual abstinence is a part of it, practicing Brahmacharya also involves controlling all senses, including thoughts and actions. Embracing Brahmacharya allows us to live a more conscious life with an emphasis on self-discipline leading towards spiritual growth.
Shaucha: Ego Sacrifice
Shaucha, or purity, is one of the major pillars of yoga that promotes self-discipline and a clear mind. It involves not only physical cleanliness but also mental and emotional hygiene. At its core lies the concept of ego sacrifice. Ego refers to the part of oneself that identifies with material possessions, social status, and other external factors.
In practicing such, one must be willing to let go of these attachments and instead cultivate inner peace and contentment. Simply taking time for self-care activities like journaling or spending time in nature can show how to live with the Shaucha mindset. By purifying the mind from negative thoughts and emotions associated with attachment to external things, we create space for more positive energy within us.
Yoga is an incredible, beautiful tool to help us develop a positive mindset. By embracing the four pillars of Ahimsa, Satya, Brahmacharya, and Shaucha, we can cultivate inner peace and live a more fulfilling life. These principles are not just relevant in our practice on the mat but also in our daily lives.