Yoga: Meditation and its effects Part 4

There is a profound connection between the body and mind which has been emphasised by scientists, healers and authors of several popular self-help books, especially in the last few years.

Research has established that neuroplasticity or brain plasticity (ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections throughout life) is very much possible well into adulthood. Thus human system is now being viewed as a process with the body, brain and mind capable of continued changes. We are self-creating organisms with the ability to alter our lives based on our understanding of it. To understand meditation, one must understand the connection of body, brain, breath and mind as yogis have understood it.

Mind has the body. Body has the mind

There is an anecdote about two scientists who were interested to study facial recognition and identified 630 expressions of the human face. The research went on for months. They used to stand in front of a mirror and try out a set of artificial expressions in order to understand the muscle groups involved and affected by these. One morning when they came to work both were shocked to see each other’s faces were haggard. They realised they had been working on expressions related to sadness over the past few days and had made themselves depressed through those artificial expressions. This is how close the body and mind are. Hence the emphasis is not only on thinking positively but also keeping the body in vibrant health. What is done with the body intentionally or unintentionally naturally affects the mind and vice versa.

Thus yogis have taught anandamaya chitta mudra (bliss body gesture) to remain rooted in the present. The mudra is extremely simple and can be practised by anyone: to keep a smile on the face. It is not a grin but a mild smile no matter what your state of mind. While you smile, try to think and try to go to the past or the future.

Apps to jolt back in the present

Several apps are available as attempts to inculcate meditation in day-to-day activities. There was an interesting research conducted using an app to assess people’s lives and how present or mindful they are in daily life. As people went about their day to day work, the app on their phone was set to ask them questions from time to time, such as, “Are you present or absent?” or “What do you feel at this time?”. Most people self-reported to be absent. They were doing a particular task at hand but the mind wandered as they mechanically went about life.

Mind wanders either to the past or the future. It is absorbed in worry, anxiety, anticipation or excitement as moments pass by unnoticed most times. If one can remain firmly rooted in the present yet flow with ease in life, one has begun the art of meditation.