Eliminate Negative Thoughts and Actions through Yoga
So often the same behaviour patterns are repeated or the same thoughts or personal beliefs are considered. As we all know not all habits or repetitive thoughts are positive. Over time this repetition of the same thought or action can form a habit. How can yoga help replace or eliminate negative thoughts and behaviours with more positive ones?
In yoga the term for a repetitive action or thought is Samskara. By continuously revisiting the same thought or action over and over again we create a deep groove, because the groove is deep we naturally keep on following that same groove. It is a bit like a path that has been created through repetitive walking, after a while the same path is walked on, because the grass has worn out and a path has developed so it appears to be the natural route to take.
Samskaras can be both positive and negative, the aim is to increase positive samskaras so the negative ones naturally diminish.
How can Yoga Help?
Yoga naturally increases positivity and leaves us feeling good, in addition it is possible to plant new more positive thoughts deep in the subconscious mind. These new more positive thoughts could slowly take root and gradually filter through into our thoughts and actions and replace the negative ones.
Prior to practicing yoga or yoga nidra an intention could be set. The intention needs to be in the present tense and positive, or a positive affirmation could be used. This intention is then considered as the practise begins. When a state of deep relaxation is reached the intention is revisited and recited mentally. During deep relaxation the conscious mind and the subconscious mind can pass information between each other, so positive seeds planted during deep relaxation are able to filter grow and filter into our thoughts and actions forming new more positive habits.
This blog article was written by Sue Fuller creator of the Yoga 2 Hear range of audio yoga classes and yoga teacher training courses.
