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The
Charaka Samhita, a classic Ayurvedic text,
states " ...the center of the five senses,
and the mind is located in the heart. In
it also is the seat of excellent ojas and
the reservoir of consciousness."
The
heart is not only the center of the circulatory
system, but the center of all bodily functions
including the mind. This idea may sound
strange to westerners, where the brain is
assumed to be the location of the mind.
However, this idea is also found in many
other cultures. What does this mean? |
The heart along with the breath (often thought of as one system) together respond immediately to both internal and external situations. When we are sick heart rates can increase 20, 30, 40 beats per minute. When in deep meditation, the heart rate can slow more than in sleep. If we desire to attain yoga, full integration of the body, mind and spirit, then what is happening with the heart may give us some objective indication of our degree of yoga. |
I have
found in my personal experience and in
training others that using various Ayurvedic
practices one can learn to be very active
and maintain a slow steady heart rate
and slow steady breath rate.
During these periods, the subjective experience
is one of comfort and calm, heightened
sensual awareness, and complete effortlessness.
The person actually has the subjective
experience they could continue forever.
This, in spite of a high level of physical
activity.
Dr. John Douillard, author of "Body, Mind
and Sport" has done research showing that
during these times the brain functions
in alpha, a state normally attributed
to a deep meditative state. No previous
research has been found showing alpha
brain waves with eyes open while performing
action.
The personal training I do is very simple,
yet produces profound benefits. To my
knowledge, few people have taken this
approach to personal training. There are
techniques that allow a person to experience
a state of deep relaxation and alpha brain
waves with eyes closed. What I teach allows
a person to have this experience during
dynamic activity.
The benefits are obvious. First, the increased
awareness gained allows the person to
achieve new levels of productivity and
creativity in whatever they are doing.
Second, the physiology actually accumulates
fewer toxins and stress during the day.
The immune system becomes stronger and
all aspects of the physiology are benefited,
including improved digestion.
Further, when one knows how to create
an experience of comfort and balance during
dynamic activity, and knows what to do
if the balance is lost, how to regain
the balance, how to stay in balance, then
your bliss becomes a choice. It is important
to note that when I say knows, I mean
from an experiential viewpoint, not from
an intellectual viewpoint.
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3609 SW Corbett Ave.
Portland, OR 97239
503-248-4670
Toll Free: 1-800-588-4108 |
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