Six Bad Habits (Which Should Be Given Up)
Six Bad Habits (Which Should Be Given Up)
By overcoming these bad habits, we have a far greater ability to lead a healthier and more fulfilling life…
As yoga practitioners, we never focus on the negative; rather, we constantly channel and goad the mind toward positive endeavors. That is how we progress.
But that does not mean we ignore or fail to study poor life practices. We have to be aware about them. Such knowledge helps us in weak moments. When we find ourselves slipping in a less desirable direction, with our knowledge we can consciously redirect our efforts. Whereas if we are not keenly aware of these problems, we will be more apt to be entrapped by them.
Here then are six bad habits which should be given up, according to the yogis:
1) Nidra (Sleep): We should sleep long enough so that the body can be physically repaired but not so long that we awaken psychically dull and stagnant. This is a very delicate balance point but one which is easily attainable. Those who purify the mind by meditating will sleep more deeply and awaken refreshed and ready for life. In contrast, the more we sleep the more we will desire to sleep but that sleep beyond which is needed for physical restoration will not be beneficial for the mind.
2) Tandra (Dullness): The yogis define dullness in multiple ways: (a) Lack of inspiration and / or poor self-esteem; (b) Being physically present but mentally absent; ie doing something but thinking about something else; (c) When the mind can only remain focused on a subject for a very short time.
We can overcome dullness by adopting a positive attitude, keeping good company, and reminding ourselves of the good qualities we have and being ever-ready to share them with others.
3) Bhaya (Fear): Fear is one of the four basic instincts which we have in common with animals – the other three are sleep, hunger, and procreation. Fear of physical danger is a survival instinct. But unfounded psychic fears saps us of our ability to act courageously and think clearly. As is the case with all these bad habits, the more we give in to fear the more conditioned we become to feeling fearful. The best way to overcome fear is to tie your small boat to a grand boat, i.e. to link up one’s unit consciousness with that greater universal consciousness. That connection automatically dissipates all kinds of fear.
4) Krodha (Anger): Anger freezes our entire potential. The nerve cells become so affected the physical body starts shaking and the mind becomes stunned. Nothing ever good results from the expression of anger. That is why the yogis say we must establish ourselves in akrodha or non-anger. That does not mean we become mute in the face of injustice, but rather through self-discipline we cultivate a sense of acceptance where our inner world is not shaken by outer troubles. When we maintain our inner strength in this way it is non-anger.
5) Alaysa (Lethargy): Lethargy exists on three primary levels: Physical, psychic and spiritual. To some or more degree we all suffer from lethargy on one or more levels. Once identified then we must take active and vigorous efforts to overcome such lethargy. As we do that, the grip of that lethargy on our personality will wane and we will become physically active, mentally sharp and spiritually awakened.
6) Procrastination: We should never delay or put off good works or essential duties. When this habit becomes overpowering we are always a step behind, or more than that. The yogis say: “Don’t delay – when a good idea comes in the mind then act on it immediately because one does not know what the future holds.” When we become established in this rhythm then many great things will be done in a very short period.
By overcoming these six bad habits – step by step – our life will take on a whole new charm and valor and there will be nothing on this earth that can halt our success.