The average person sincerely believes that they can concentrate instantly or quickly if the work task, their hobby, or life situation requires it. Most of these individuals, especially those unfamiliar with yoga and other relaxation practices, are unaware that their senses are almost constantly in an over-stimulated state. The source of this over-stimulation of their sensory system is their own “undisciplined mind” (Anderson, n.d., para. 5). An untrained mind is an ideal mental spot for the emergence and development of such a useless and even unhealthy habit as “attachment to sensation” (Anderson, n.d., para. 4). This rather harmful habit, especially from a yogi perspective, gradually weakens a person’s ability to focus and concentrate, eventually leading to small and large setbacks in his professional and personal fields.
Fortunately, there is a way to break this habit of being constantly attached to the desire to experience a sensation. The most effective mental remedy is an ancient set of relaxation practices and exercises titled “pratyahara” (Anderson, n.d., para. 8). Pratyahara yogis get rid of the unhealthy habit of constantly experiencing feelings by consciously focusing on their internal sensory processes and cycles through deep breathing (Anderson, n.d.). Deep breathing allows people to abstract from the external realm and tunes their attention to the internal rhythm, increasing their self-awareness and psychological and physical relaxation. As experts say, “…ordinary light becomes a laser by synchronizing its various wavelengths” (Anderson, n.d., para. 13). Abstraction from external influences and internal mental and biological habits leaves the concentrated consciousness of the individual on its own, which provides an opportunity for rest and introspection. The latter allows the yogi to identify further self-limiting exercises for further getting rid of habitual practices that corrupt the mind of one.
Reference
Anderson, S. (n.d.). Pratyahara: The art of sense withdrawal. Yoga International. Web.