3 Levels of Consciousness
How can you tell if someone is in the subconscious state of mind?
Physical signs: slumping, lying down, gazing down, sleeping
Internal signs: on autopilot, not present, spacing
Emotional signs: triggered, big emotions
What does Tree Pose | Vrikasana look like and what is the affirmation?
"I am calm. I am poised."
What does pranayama mean?
Prana = Energy
Yama = Control
Pranayama = energy control
Do we control the breath in Hong-Sau?
At no time during the practice of this technique should you make any effort to control the breath.
Let it flow naturally. Gradually, you may notice that the pauses between the inhalation and exhalation are becoming longer. Enjoy these pauses, for they are a glimpse of the deep peace state of advanced meditation. As you grow very calm you may notice that the breath is becoming so shallow (or the pauses so prolonged) that it hardly seems necessary to breathe at all.
What is an affirmation and why is it helpful?
An affirmation is a positive statement of truth which one aspires to absorb into his life. One reason they work is because they are based on higher truths of our soul nature that we have yet to realize on a conscious level.
When we practice affirmations, we are reprogramming our subconscious mind replacing negative thoughts with positive thoughts that reflect our soul nature.
What is the eye gaze associated with the 3 levels of consciousness?
Gaze down = subconscious
Gaze straight ahead = conscious
Gaze upward = superconscious, stimulate prefrontal lobe that is associated with concentration and happiness
Why we do repeat affirmations with the poses?
Mental attitudes are associated with posture. Pairing each pose with a specific affirmation, we actively engage the mind to help to cultivate and embody the positive, uplifting qualities reflected in the posture.
What is a pranayama technique that can help us awaken energy, focus and get things done?
If the mind is always wandering. Does it mean that I'm just bad at meditating?
No, it is the nature of the mind to wander like a monkey. When your mind wanders, just bring it back to focus on the technique: observing the breath while chanting the mantra and moving the right index finger.
I am doing better every time I try and have faith that I can take little steps to grow in the right direction. I am good enough and have the strength and intelligence within me to overcome any obstacle.
You get a phone call and your friend told you that he just crashed your car. Act out a subconscious, conscious, and superconscious response.
Subconscious: Yells and gets angry at friend.
"What?! You are so careless. How can you do this? I should have never have let you borrow my car. Do you have enough money to cover the damage? You are going to fix this."
Conscious: Stays outward calm, but inwardly freaking out.
What you say: Oh no! Is the car wrecked? Where are you? Are you okay? That's most important. I'm going to call my car insurance company to see how if they can tow the car.
What you think: "Oh I should have paid a higher priced insurance and added my friend to my policy, so that I could have full coverage for the damage."
Superconscious: stays calm and centered. This car crash does not influence my happiness or security.
What you say: Hey, everything is going to be okay. It's just a car and things happen. It's not your fault. The most important thing is that you are safe. Where are you? Let's bring you to the hospital to get you checked out then we can get you home with food. I'll call the insurance company to tow away the car. We can figure out the details later.
What you think: I'm so glad he is not hurt. Well I guess it's time for a new and better car! I'm sure the universe will show me how to find the right one or maybe it's time to start biking and get fit!
Show us an example of how a pose and it's affirmation helps you develop calmness.
Here are some examples that work for me:
Balance Poses: Eagle Pose, Tree Pose, Warrior II PosePoses that challenge me to stay calm: Downward Facing Dog, Vasistha's Pose, Shoulderstand.
When sitting for meditation, make sure ____ is slightly below the hips.
The knees.
What blocks your ability to tune into inner guidance?
Yogas Chitta Vritti Nirodh = Yoga is the neutralization of the vortices of feeling.
Vritti = vortices of energy in the heart.
- desires, likes/dislikes, emotions, doubts, fear, agitate the heart's feelings creating static, which prevents you from receive the clear right guidance.
What does the Hong-Sau mantra mean?
It is a sacred Sanskrit mantra that means "I am Spirit."
Hong = "I am" - We mentally chant it during the inhalation.
Sau = "Spirit - We mentally chant it during the exhalation.
Hong Sau = I offer myself into the greater Self.
What are the benefits of Hong-Sau technique of concentration?
- Quiets and focuses the mind
- Calms the heart, nervous system, and breath
- Trains us to become impersonal observers of our thoughts, letting go of negative ones and energizing positive ones.
- Helps us control our emotionally reactive process, helping us to stay calm and centered, choose the right response instead of reacting emotionally.
- Find peace and completeness within ourselves.
- Strengthen connection with God/Allah and your higher Self.