All systems perform well when worked in alignment with its design. Whether it’s a car or corporate. Human is no exception, except the fact that body is a system that has an intelligence inherently embedded in its design.
Proof? The fact that its resilient, it can both restore optimum performance and can enhance too, rejuvenate, self-maintain moment to moment & can steer its energetic investment. This is why body & mind can’t be separated when it comes to handling issues with health. Otherwise resolving health matters become like putting band aids here and there, plugging leaks here and there, only to find new places to put band aid, new leaks to be plugged.
So, what’s the first sign of misalignment in a body?
It is experienced in the mind. A mind that loses its ability to rest easily, is constantly agitated, restless, unable to disconnect, caught in worries, fears, other emotions. These are expressions I hear most often now irrespective of the age group or occupation of my students. There can be variety of reasons to support that the state is valid, nevertheless it does its damage. It calls for close examination and vetting.
In today’s world we do not get tired because of physical labour but mental fatigue instead. Unfortunately, it’s always celebrated to have a high-octane mind. But an unregulated mind is unhealthful. Mind and nervous system are in direct connection. Nervous system connects to each and every bodily function/ performance/ feeling. Resilience is a great attribute to bank upon but ignoring the underlying cause under its disguise proves serious in long run.
A mind at rest is the foundation of good health. Mind at rest does not mean a dull mind. Mind at rest has qualitative features like clarity, ability to hold attention, ability to discern, operate with awareness, be still, stay in background when no direct action is required, etc. The order seems tall, but achievable.
Best thing is that soon after the journey begins the rewards start showing. Imagine what is possible when avoidable energy leaks are prevented at the root.
Daily rhythms of body functions based on age, quality of sleep and mental disposition at the wakeup time, ability to consciously steer the attention & hold it or disengage are self-observable measures to verify the quality of alignment. The body is designed to handle vagaries here and there, but when default setting is unrestful mind, systems within the body eventually start fraying. For different people vulnerable areas vary. Longer its ignored, serious it becomes.
First sign of misalignment in body is readable in breath. Breath is a very sophisticated barometer and an instrument too. Breath reveals a lot about the state at mind and body level. Yoga in the capacity as the science to quieten the mind, guides in the direction to restore the alignment at mind and body level. Breath & body, become the tool & the field. From there shapes the journey of ownership that knows no bound.