Yoga and cancer-prevention

Cancer is a few cells of the body becoming unruly and revolting. These cells then incite other cells to join them, and not obey the body discipline. Additionally to hog all the resources quickly (glucose). Thus the Cancer spreads and starves the body of glucose.

My understanding is that we can prevent cancer and auto-immune diseases by taking care of each cell of the body, like a mother taking care of the child. An attitude of "vaatsalya", expression of mother-like love for each part of the body is essential Yoga.

For example when we do Yoga exercises of the neck, we close the eyes and bring our attention to the neck area, and slowly move the head sideways five times left and five times right, while breathing in harmony with the movements. This simple exercise tells the neck that it belongs!

That "it belongs" feeling makes the body-part happy. You are expressing the love of the body and mind for this specific part. It does not feel neglected and therefore has no urge to revolt or to go haywire, or shout and fight.

Doing these movements of body joints 'with awareness' and love and affection - smile on the face - is the essence of all Yoga. Strenuous or easy, yoga will achieve its purpose of harmonizing the mind-body complex.

So, let us start telling each part of the body that it belongs-----it is not in a state of neglect-----by doing Yoga, easy movements with love and affection, vaatsalya.

(The author is a cancer care-giver and a yoga student)

Om Shantih Shantih Shantih

Often used in the Upanishads, this is a Shanti Mantra. Sham is to quench, the sound that emanates when water is poured over burning wood, that is. Om or Aum is a sound, mix of A, U and M. The basic sound affects the body and the mind. This sound is used as an indicator of the "Supreme", the all powerful, the one who gives light to Sun.

There are fires burning. Someone has misbehaved. I am unhappy. I can not forget the taunt, the disgrace, the insult. Every time I remember the incident, it rekindles the smoldering embers. Let us have a Shantih of this fire, burning inside.

I acted foolish. I now realize. I lost money due to my foolishness. I hurt someone, that someone may forget, but I don't. I will always remember. I can not forgive myself. The fire must be quenched for getting me back to normal.

There was an earthquake, a tsunami or a market turmoil. I lost all that was mine created with labor and love. Again a fire will remain and disturb me all the while.

We pray that the fires be quenched. Whom are we praying to? Who is the subject? Upanishads do not mention.
What is the process for this Shantih of the three fires? Who is going to quench?

The process of forgiving comes to mind. In Jain religion it has been woven as a practice, an annual ritual. Householders visit friends and relatives to ask, and seek forgiveness on a specific day. How about forgiving ourselves. It is tougher. It can be done. We are to, as a ritual do it, telling ourselves that we forgive past mistakes and be OK with ourselves. Similar to an adult ego state saying, "I am OK, you are OK.".

So, we pray that the three fires be quenched, meaning that we be successful in forgiving the Elements, the Society, and Ourselves. This should provide a healthy and peaceful environment within and without.

(Copied here from my blog at http://Sooham.blogspot.com)

Relaxation

Hello everyone,

You know how important it is to relax for physical and mental well being.
I am going to introduce you to a three minute quick relaxation method, devised by the Swami Vivekanand Yoga Anusandhana Sansthana at Bangalore.

This relaxation can be done at anytime and takes just three minutes in a lying down (supine) posture, called Shavasana. Hands are a little away from the body, palms facing upwards, more or less.

Eyes are closed and the abdominal movements are to be observed mentally. No effort. Just observe that the abdomen is moving up and down. After watching this for about a minute (five cycles of up/down), consciously breathe in while inflating the abdomen and breathe out deflating the abdomen. Do it five times.

Next, breathe with feelings. While inhaling, observe that oxygen is entering the body and energizing it, while exhaling, observe that the body is relaxing, waste products are getting out of the system, and I am at complete rest.Do this five times.

In the end, breathe in and chant aaaaaa.... (second vowel of hindi) with mouth open and observe the vibrations in the lower part of the body.

After this slowly take a turn to the right, supporting the body with the hands, slowly get up and open the eyes.

This is the complete process, takes three minutes, can be done anytime at anyplace. It can even be done while sitting in a chair. Do not exert at any step, just allow it to happen.

Try it and get relaxed. Any questions are welcome on 91 80100 94282.

Can do anytime of the day or night.