Yoga of Emotions - NavaRasa

BY Arora Indu4 min read • February 4, 2019

Does the psychology of cultivating the opposite help?Let us not aim for extremes, like hate to love, panic to absolute peace, fear to courage.

What does Yoga say about emotions?
 

How can we manage it?

Emotions are called rasa which means essence of life. Life is more lively and throbbing because of their presence.

Should I suppress my emotions or change it?

How to avoid the emotional waves?

We don't have to completely change the emotions, however we must thrive to change how we express them. As long as we are human being we will go through all 9 emotions (love, sadness, happiness, anger, fear, courage, aversion, wonder and peace). Let us work on changing our reactions to responses and reflections. Slowly with awareness, acknowledgement, acceptance and courage we can bring transformation.

Now ...

I understand

Why

we shout

we want to be heard

we break things

we want someone to notice there is something breaking inside

we hurt themselves

we want someone to see the deep hurt inside

we leave the house

we don't feel at home anymore

we stay awake at night

as night demands one to be at rest

we don't share

...there is no one to listen

it feels best to be alone

as it better then being lonely

we cannot trust

because our kindness is not valued

Does the psychology of cultivating the opposite help?

Let us not aim for extremes, like hate to love, panic to absolute peace, fear to courage.

We have to allow loosening the grip of deep conditioning of emotions turning into reactions. How about we move from hate to indifference, panic to relaxation, fear to observation. That way we do not give ourselves an impossible goal and allow for organic changes that come from deep within

Yogic texts talk about samatvam which means moderation, chitta prasadana (maintaining pleasantness of mind) by developing maitri (friendliness), karuna(compassion and kindness), mudita (delight in others happiness and success) and upeksha (indifference, staying in the center, neither this not that).

Practices: There are two practices that you may choose in the moment.

1. Neti Neti: Mentally repeat Neti Neti which means not this not this. Let your mind recall its goal and recognize how the habituated reaction is not purposeful, progressive and productive for self, for others and for community. Second, mentally concentrate on the nostril opposite to the dominant one. The current chemical response of the body is reactive and not reflective. Mentally breathe from opposite nostril.
2. Sankalpa: Do not forget the power of a clear Sankalpa. Sow the seeds of a clear desire/ intention/ resolve every morning upon waking up and every night before bed. You can change if you wish. You can change if you desire. You can change.

PRACTICE THE THREE BELOW

Kundalini Meditation

Body Yantra Meditation

Third Eye Meditation