INCREASE YOUR BRAIN POWER

Our brain has the power to create things and man has the ability to achieve anything when he taps the energy from within him and gets connected with the universal force.

Physical exercise - Long term exercise can boost brainpower, which isn' t surprising. Anything that affects physical health in a positive way probably helps the brain too.

Recent research, though, shows that cognitive function is improved immediately after just ten minutes of aerobic exercise. If you need a brain recharge, you might want to walk up and down the stairs a few times.

Talking to Imaginary friends - Talking to and getting advice from characters in your mind can be a great way to access the information in your subconscious mind. Imagine a conversation with a person who has a lot of knowledge in the area you want advice in. It is a way to get the best answer out of you!

Audios - Hyptonysis - The power of suggestion is real, and one way to use it is with hypnosis tapes, CD's or downloads. This type of brain "programming" has more evidence for it than subliminals.

Speed reading - When the speed rate is high as you read a topic, you tend to learn a lot more in less time, and a definitely very good brain exercise. Also, this is a very good memory booster too!

Develop your creativity - Human thoughts shapes the world. Creativity gives power to your thinking. So, develop creativity to enhance brain power.

Learning efficiently - When you decide to learn something, take notes from the start. Leave each "learning session" with a question or two in mind, to create anticipation and curiosity. Take short breaks, so there will be more beginnings and endings to your studies (Things learned at the beginning or ending of a class or session are remembered better).

Develop your intuition - Intuition can be an important part of brainpower. Einstein and others have relied heavily on their intuitive hunches.

Talk - Talking is only good for the brain if you are actually exercising it, of course. Try explaining something that you don't understand very well to a friend, though, and you'll notice that the process of explaining will help you clarify your understanding.

Yes, indeed this technique helps you to gain the inner meaning of the work you do, and also can give you solutions to problems both on the material and technical side. This exercise recharges your brain.

Do something you enjoy - This is a way to both lower stress and rev up your brain. The key is to do something active. Watching TV doesn't count. Whether it is playing, Scrabble or building birdhouses and blocks. When you are actively engaged in an activity that you enjoy, though it involves mental or physical strain at the beginning, you slowly tend to feel the joy and start enjoying the same and hence you feel relaxed.

Adjust your beliefs - Believe in yourself, that you are smarter, and you'll become smarter. For this, affirmations may work, but even better is evidence. Make a note of your successes, "Hey, that was really creative," when you do something creative. When you have a good idea, make a note of it. Gather the evidence for your own intelligence and you'll start to experience more of it. Always try to appreciate and compliment yourself.

Brain exercises - Do math in your mind while driving. it charges you brain as your cells tend to become losing its ability as we age.Think of a new use for everything you see. Regular use of the brain has been shown to generate new neuronal growth, and even halt the decline of mental function that often comes with age.

Learn new things - This is another way to exercise the brain. It can also be done with little time investment if you use books-on-tapes while driving.

Walk - This is the best of all exercises - Exercise has been shown to benefit the brain, and walking is one of the best exercises for many. Especially early morning walks in the fresh air and around the greenery gives you the energy drive for the whole day and more. It is low impact, and the rhythmic nature of it seems to put you in a state that is very conducive to clear thinking. In fact, carry a tape recorder with you to take notes, and a twenty minute walk can be a great way to solve problems. Helps you to think better and in decision making skills.

Model others - One should have a role model in lie - Find others that are creative, intelligent, or very productive. Do what they do, and think what they think. This is a key principle of neuro-linguistic programming. Be careful about taking their advice, though, be a good adviser for yourself rather than depending on others.

Avoid unnecessary arguments - When you defend a position too vigorously, especially when it is just to "win" the argument, you invest our ego into it. This is not conducive to the easy acceptance and use of new information. In other words, you put your mind in a rut, and you dig it deeper with each argument. Debate can be a valuable thing, but when the ego takes over, the mind closes a little. This is not a recipe for better thinking and it automatically pulls you down.

Laugh - Laughter the best medicine! - Laugh even if you have to enjoy a situation all alone! The release of endorphins caused by laughter lowers stress levels, which is good for long term brain health. Laughter also tends to leave you more open to new ideas and thoughts.

Play - Stimulating the brain causes measurable changes in the structure of the brain. New connections are made and new brain cells are grown. Intellectual play, as well as any playing that involves hand-eye coordination stimulates the brain.

Do puzzles - Crossword puzzles, lateral thinking puzzles, and even good riddles are a great way to get brain exercise. You can work on them while waiting for a dentist appointment, or on the bus, if you are short on time. Even articles which make you smile!!

Sing and dance - Singing and dancing can also be done when you are working too. A musical background while at work can help you lower stress level and there is more output with little effort. This taps into and exercises your right brain. Have you ever noticed how it is easier to rhyme when you sing than when you just speak or write? This is because the right brain is better at pattern recognition. By doing this brain exercise regularly you can train yourself to tap into the power of the right brain. This will make you a more effective problem-solver. Try it!

Self awareness - When you know yourself better, you can avoid the usual effects of ego and emotion in your seemingly "rational" thinking. Watch yourself, especially as you explain things or argue.

Motivate yourself - Motivation is as important to mental tasks as it is to any other. Learn a few simple techniques for self motivation.

Avoid too much tress - Neuropsychiastrist Richard Restak, M.D., form the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Services, sums up the research thus: "Stress causes brain damage." Long term stress has repeated been shown to hurt the brain, not to mention the rest of the body. Learn a few stress reduction techniques if you get stressed out often.

Get educated - Education in any area seems to make the brain stronger. Be ready to update yourself on varied topics.

Ask questions - This is a great way to keep your brain in shape. Just get in the habit of asking questions often, even if it is only in your own mind. Why are taller buildings better? what is the purpose of curbs? Ask anything that comes to mind, and ponder the possible answers.

This is the best brain trainer and it really helps us in finding answers to many unsolved problems.

Sniff basil - This another of the herbs that may be good for your brain. Reports show a brain boost from smelling basil which we call the "tulsi", Ocimum basilicum in Greek!

Temperature - Try and find out what temperature suits you best. Studies have shown that being slightly cool, is most conductive for good thinking.

Make a brainpower plan - This means that when you create your plan for better brainpower, be sure you plan to use that new problem solving technique, or eat those new brain foods for at least three weeks. You can use many of the brain boosters here and get immediate results, but it is creating new habits that will give you the most brainpower.

FOOD - RELATES TO BRAIN POWER

Food is the source of energy and is believed to be the main cause for survival and no one can deny it, all cherish it the rich and the poor, the wise and fools alike!!

Avoid foods that cause subtle allergies - Food habits can cause allergies and can induce different thinking in a person’s mind.

Caffeine - Though most of the people relish it for its taste and an instant energy booster, Students usually drink it and especially before exams showed higher test scores. Too much Caffeine leads to poor quality decisions - making. Caffeine affects individuals differently, and has some nasty long-term side effects for some of us, but short-term - it works!

Avoid sugar - Sugar as most of the people love it for its taste, causes “brain fog”. “Sugar blues” gives sluggish feeling makes it hard to think clearly.

It results from the insulin rushing into the bloodstream to counteract the sugar rush. Avoid pasta, sugars, white bread and potato chips before any important mental tasks.

Avoid too much fat - In laboratory studies, animals consistently learn slower when they are on a diet high in fat. Type of fat may make a difference, so you may want to stick to using olive oil and other non-saturated fats. Saturated fats have been shown to actually stunt the growth of brain cells.

Eat less - Overeating has the immediate effect of redirecting more blood to the digestive process, leaving less for the brain. Long term, it can cause arterial obstructions that reduce blood flow to the brain permanently. In at least one study, rats on a restricted-calorie diet had more brainpower.

Avoid suspect foods - There is evidence that the following foods can be bad for your brain: Artificial food colorings, artificial sweeteners, colas, corn syrup, frosting, high-sugar drinks, hydrogenated fats, sugars, white bread, and any white-flour products.

Eat breakfast - When kids who didn't eat breakfast started to eat it, researchers found that their math scores went up a whole grade on average. In fact, breakfast is an essential brain booster tonic for all.

Avoid diabetes - The development of diabetes coincides with a dropping of IQ scores.

Eat foods high in antioxidants - Antioxidants protect all your cells, including brain cells. Some of the foods highest in antioxidants include - prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, garlic, kale, cranberries, strawberries, spinach, and raspberries. In one test, rats had age-related mental decline reversed by eating the equivalent of a 1/2 cup of blueberries per day.

Drink wine - In moderation, red wine can be good for the brain, it seems. It is rich in antioxidants, which protect brain cells. One glass per day for women and two for men is usually considered a safe and moderate amount.

Alcohol in moderation - In a study at the University of Indiana School of Medicine, elderly light drinkers (fewer than 4 drinks per week) scored higher on tests of thinking abilities than non-drinkers. Those who drank 10 or more drinks per week scored lower. It is known that alcohol can kill brain cells, so moderation seems to be the key.

Folic acid - According to one study, 200 micrograms of folic acid, the amount found in 3/4 cup of cooked spinach, alleviates depression and reverses memory loss. Take it everyday in your food list.

Potential brain foods - Other foods that may be good for your brain include - bananas, lean beef, brewer's yeast. broccoli, brown rice, Gram sprouts, cantaloupe, cheese, chicken, collard greens, eggs, flax seed oil, legumes, oatmeal, oranges, peanut butter, peas, potatoes, romaine lettuce, salmon, soybeans, spinach, tuna, turkey, wheat germ, and yogurt.

Vitamin E - Jean Carper, in researching her book, "Your Miracle Brain," found that many brain researchers are taking 400 I.U.s of vitamin E daily. It is an antioxidant, and reduces the clogging of blood vessels, including those going in the brain.

Vitamin C - Taken in the form of orange juice in a study at the Texas Woman's University, vitamin C increased the IQ scores of children. It is the best of juices for your brain and glowing skin.

Alpha-lipoic acid - Alpha-lipoic acid (10 to 50 milligrams daily) improves memory and protects nerve cells.

Inositol - This is a safe and natural substance that is often grouped with the B-vitamins. It reduces stress and promotes clear thinking. It contributes to energy production, and so can "wake you up." Animal studies show a measurable increase in physical activity for up to five hours after taking it.

Huperzine A - This is a compound extracted from the Chinese club moss. Researchers both in Israel and the U.S. have used it to treat Alzheimer's. It improves memory and learning an seems to be very safe.

Nuts - Nuts are the best form of rich protein stored in them and very useful for the development and memory skills of the brain and mental power. Nuts that have minerals and amino acids that are beneficial to the brain include almonds and walnuts.

Vitamin supplements - In studies, children scored higher on tests when on a regimen of daily vitamin supplements. "Experts" will tell you that if you eat a balanced diet, you don't need supplements, which, given the culture here, is really just a sales pitch for vitamins, isn't it? Who eats a perfectly balanced diet?

Fiber - It isn't just what goes in, but what comes out that is important to brain function. Toxic build-up in the body and brain can cause "brain fog." Fiber rich food are good for digestion too.

Olive oil - High in mono-unsaturated fat, olive oil has been shown to improve memory.

If one follows the above a lot can be achieved. Try it and then you can make out the difference!

SPIRITUAL INDIA

Since times immemorial Indian culture is admired and respected all over the world for its beauty and depth. Almost every Indian custom and tradition has either a scientific, logical, historical, social or spiritual significance. This lends meaning to an otherwise mechanical following of the customs which are often misunderstood to be mere superstitions that fade away in time.

IMPORTANCE OF LIGHTING THE LAMP

In almost every Indian home a lamp is lit daily before the altar of the LORD. In some houses it is lit at dawn, in some twice a day - at dawn and dusk - and in a few house it is maintained continuously (AKANDA DEEP). All auspicious functions and moments like daily worship, rituals and festivals and even many social occasions like inaugurations commence with the lighting of the lamp, which is often maintained right through the occasion.

One finds beautiful earthen ware, brass, sliver and a wide varieties of artistically carved vases which are lit in the most decorative way using cotton threads as a vic and oil for burning.

During the festivals like Devali, Dussera we find almost the whole city, lit with these wonderful lights, a welcome message for the Goddess of Wealth.

Light symbolizes knowledge, and darkness ignorance. The LORD is the “Knowledge Principle"(Chaitanya)who is the source, the "knowledge absolute", and the illuminator of all knowledge. Hence light is worshiped as the LORD Himself.

In Meditation too one starts concentrating at the point of light , it is in a closed, calm, quiet and serene atmosphere where one meditates in the early stages focusing on the brightness of the light.

Knowledge removes ignorance just as light removes darkness. Also, knowledge is a lasting inner wealth by which all outer achievement can be accomplished. Hence we light the lamp to bow down to knowledge as the greatest of all forms of wealth. Knowledge backs all our actions whether good or bad. We therefore keep a lamp lit during all auspicious occasions as a witness to our thoughts and actions.

The traditional oil lamp has a further spiritual significance. The oil or ghee in the lamp symbolizes our Vasanas or negative tendencies and the vice, the ego. When lit by spiritual knowledge, the Vasanas get slowly exhausted and the ego too finally perishes. The flame of a lamp always burns upwards. Similarly we should acquire such knowledge as to take us towards higher ideals.

A single lamp can light hundreds more just as a man of knowledge can brighten the world. So too knowledge does not lessen when shared with or imparted to others. It is the best help which a human can offer to his fellow human beings on this earth and the best of all sacrifices and charity.

THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING

Positive thinking is the key to success. The mind of man can conceive, believe and achieve anything. Think rich to grow rich! Absorb it. Memorize and live by it!

"Your thoughts are the architects of your destiny".

The power of thought has a direct and very strong influence on our brain that it can be the root cause for healthy and relaxed life and change your thoughts into reality. Thus, its always said what one thinks is what one becomes in life, you live what you say..

Personal development starts with your mastering of your thoughts which leads to master your environment and circumstances. Self motivation is easy if you know how to channelize the flow of your positive energy.

Know that your thoughts are under your control and if you don’t, you will be under the control of your thoughts! Its amazing to know that the power of positive thinking can do to change your life and give you a brighter future – the kind of future you want!

Positive thoughts radiates a magnetic force which draws men and money together in life.Its a natural healer and an entertainer to the soul as well! The power of positive thinking will yield good results in the same way that negative thinking will yield bad results.

Healthy thoughts in your mind will bring a beautiful, a life free from stress and builds confidence. Negative thoughts on the contrary will lead us to destruction. If you neglect to feed your mind with healthy thoughts and to protect it from negative thoughts, the weeds of destruction will creep in and choke your mind.

Its rightly said - whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, are of good report, if there be any virtue and praise thing of these things!

To develop the power of positive thinking, expose the mind to right thoughts, that causes no harm to you and to the whole humanity.

The most important aspect in developing one's positive energy is stay away from people who think negative - they drain your energy and drag you down along with them. Of course changing your thinking is not a day's job, start slowing and by practice, it will become your habit to think in the right angle. It is a lifelong process, a proper way of life.

Thoughts which are not in harmony with your dreams and desires just throw them out and don't brood over the past situations where you had some unpleasant memories in life. Erase it completely out of your brain. Practice the habit of thinking and enjoying only the pure positive thoughts, be cheerful which will keep you relaxed and happy.

Do think of things which you dream and desire for and anything that is not in harmony just don't entertain such thoughts. Always, work for the above with sincerity and you are sure to develop a beautiful mind which will deliver you the power of positive thinking and all the lovely things that associate with it.

Even if you are in a circle of people, where negative energy is filled do not respond but counteract with positive thoughts, just think it can be their reality and its not yours!

Always use positive affirmations, they are deliberate and words which brings harmony with your thoughts and when you visualize the same as dreams will become a reality in life.

“Affirmations are one of the simplest and most powerful things we can do to change the quality of our lives, and to create the things we want.” - Mark Allen

Believe in yourself and the tremendous power you have within which paves way for creative solutions. Use affirmations as "I am rich", by so you are reinforcing your thinking with that thought. By this your mind will accept that thought as truth and will bring that state of belief and you acquire the ability to find ways or means through which you become rich.

Only action will allow you to get to your destination. Thinking alone will not do it. You will be amazed that sooner or later they live exactly the terrible things they speak of themselves.

You will be amazed, to watch in life that sooner or later people live exactly the way they think, terrible things they speak of themselves - poverty, lack, sickness, disappointment and failure and also the lucky lot who talk and think positive - rich, cheerful, relaxed, brimming with love, healthy and useful to one and all! Why not join the race of positive thinking?

Hence, practice positive thoughts for a better future the road to success!!!

THE POWER OF THOUGHTS

Man has the power to create through his power of thoughts which he gets abundantly from tapping the Universal force. The power to make your dreams come true exists ‘within’ you, and always has! Therefore, the power of the universe is available to us at all times.

The power of divine love is the power of pure universal life force. This power is equally available to everyone. It is a wonderful experience one has to experience to feel it.

This incredible power of divine love exists within your very own being. The only thing you must do in order to receive its bountiful blessings is to open yourself to it, and to trust in yourself, because your direct and personal access link to this power is found within you. To begin experiencing this divine power in your life, look not with your eyes, but with your soul the inner eye. An open heart, an open mind, a pure intention, and trust in yourself creates a solid foundation for you to connect with this beautiful energy and it's power to connect with divine spirit, the essence of all life.

The brilliant light of Divine Love is filled with healing, peace, abundance, joy, freedom, power, and so much more! Divine Love is incredibly magnetic.

The more in tune you are with Divine Love, the more easily you will attract to yourself that which you desire, also you find the other souls drawn to the magnetic energy which we radiate.

There is enormous power in thoughts. Prayer and Meditation involves the use of thoughts. In prayer we seek/request the help of a higher power, repeating affirmations and/or incantations, etc.

Our thoughts make things happen. The power of our thoughts shapes our lives and the very experiences within our lives. Prayer is thought. Thought is in essence, a form of prayer unto it's self, be it consciously (you are doing it intentionally) or unconsciously (you are doing it without realizing you are doing it). Essentially every single thought we have is a form of prayer!

The main difference between prayer and meditation is that in prayer you are intentionally seeking a direct link with the Divine (Divine Love, God, Goddess, universal life force, whatever you wish to call it) by communicating your thoughts, feelings, desires, etc. directly to the Divine.

Where as with meditation, it is here where the self is revealed. It is more of an opening of oneself to the Divine by clearing one's mind and becoming still within, the conscious act of connecting with the Divine through the sacred silence within oneself.

Some may meditate with music, or to the sounds of nature (birds singing, streams flowing, trees swaying in the breeze, etc., etc.) or by simply retreating into a place of quiet, but nonetheless, regardless of what tools one may use to meditate, the purpose is to become still within oneself and connect with the Divine through sacred silence.

Practicing genuine silence is an excellent method for deeply connecting with the Divine within you. True silence can be very powerful! Embraced within authentic silence is the very presence of eternity -- the eternal moment of 'now' where all existence is contained therein.

Our entire universe is constructed of pure energy. Each molecule and every single atom within our universe all vibrate at different frequencies. Stars, oceans, plants & trees, animals, our spirits, right down to our very thoughts, they are all made of energy. One should know to grasp this concept of tapping this energy where we become one with the Universe and all that exists. Through spiritual energy (divine love) we are already one with ‘all that is’ (including our heart's desires)that means that nothing is impossible.

All it takes to begin utilizing this sacred gift in your own life is to open your heart and mind to the higher power of Divine Love, which is unconditional Love, so sacred and pure!

MEDITATION - FEEL THE EXPERIENCE

Meditation is an experience which has to be realized. The main purpose of meditation technique is to channelize our awareness into the path of positive thinking transforming our mind.

Meditation is the state of relaxation and an altered state of consciousness. It has been seen that it is used as a device of personal growth these days – helps in inculcating positive attitude towards life. This process consists of three stages of concentration (dharana), meditation (Dyana), and enlightenment (Samadhi).

The mind is focused on a certain object, and when this attention gets engaged, concentration turns into meditation or dhyana. Here, through continuous process of meditation the meditator merges with the object of concentration, which might be the Divine entity.

Some meditators concentrate on the innerself (mana) filtered by the(pancha indriyas) or five senses, which forms the base for (jnana) knowing the eternal truth through wisdom.
This is self-awareness of the knowledge of ‘pure being’.

One finds various therapeutic benefits of meditation to attain peace of mind.

Meditation is not religious process, but because of its spiritual element it forms an integral part of all religions. Some of the popular meditation methods are, Transcendental Meditation, Yoga nidra, Vipassana and mindfulness meditation.

The foremost action begins with the preparation of the mind. Through meditative techniques we tap our subconscious, ready to encounter our inner-self. The different techniques of meditation emphasizes on mental exercises, which aim at capturing the vary nature of the human minds. Patanjali`s Yoga sutra talks about the three techniques of: dharana (concentration), Dyana (meditation) and samadhi (absorption or enlightenment).

Here, we talk of Dyana which means worship, or profound and abstract religious meditation. It involves concentration upon a point of focus with the intention of knowing the truth about it.

During dhyana, combining clear insights into distinctions between objects and the subtle layers surrounding intuition further unifies the consciousness.

The power to differentiate between the mind of the perceiver, the means of the perceiver and the objects of perception is clearly derived. One must apprehend both subject and object clearly in order to perceive their similarities.

During dharana, the mind becomes unidirectional, while during dyana, it becomes ostensibly identified and engaged with the object of focus or attention. That is why, dharana must precede dyana, since the mind needs focusing on a particular object before a connection can be made. If dharana is the contact, then dyana is the connection.

One must identify and become "one with" the object of contemplation, in order to know for certain the truth about it.

The final stage is the stage of Samadhi which forms the final part of the Ashtanga Yoga.

Samadhi means "to bring together, to merge". In samadhi our personal identities completely disappear. At the moment of samadhi none of that exists anymore. We become one with the Divine Entity.

MEDITATE TO INCREASE BRAIN POWER

Meditation helps to control your ability to think and hence increases the brain power. Meditation is a conscious effort to change how the mind works. The Pali word for meditation is 'bhavana' which means 'to make grow' or 'to develop'.
A simple meditation you can do right now is just closing your eyes and paying attention to your breath.

1. Breathe deep - Deep breathing exercises draws more air means more oxygen in the blood and therefore in the brain.
Always breathe through the nose and one finds the use of the diaphragm more, drawing air deeper into your lungs. Several deep breaths can also help to relax, which is conducive to clearer thinking.

2. Concentrate on your breath - When your mind wanders, just bring your attention back to your breath. All it needs a little bit of practice, your mind is relaxed and leaves our more ready for any mental task.

3. Sit up Posture - Posture affects your thinking process. Sit straight with your body held up, do not lean, an upright posture and keep inhaling and exhaling in a rhythmic fashion. It is easier to think better in this posture.

4. Good thinking habits - Good thinking habit, a proper problem solving technique with in-depth study of the various aspects, which on practicing becomes a habit, with some effort and then be more resourceful effortlessly.

5. Rosemary - The herb from time immemorial has an effect on the brain when the scent is inhaled. People claim that just sniffing rosemary wakes up their brain.

6. Mindfulness exercises - Analyze your brain and your thinking ability. Concentration and clear thinking are more or less automatic once you remove distractions. Try to find an answer to things that are subtly bothering you, deal with them. Note down things as making a phone call, or putting things on the list, so you don’t forget them for now. With practice, this becomes easier, and your thinking becomes more powerful.

7. Making use of waste time - The time that is otherwise wasted or just under-utilized can be the time you commute to work, driving time, time spent in waiting rooms, or even time spent raking your yard can be included in this. With a tape player and a trip to a public library, you can start to use this time to listen to books-on-tape.

You can get your brain involved in useful thinking as you keep doing your every day chores at home and weekends.

8. Learn something new, probably a language - It is one of the best brain exercises. Learning a new language has been shown to halt the age-related decline in brain function. It also introduces your mind to new concepts and new ways of looking at things.


9. Writing the best - The best way to enhance one’s creative, analytical and clear thinking is writing. Writing is good for your mind in a number of ways. It is a way to tell your memory what is important, so you'll recall things more easily in the future. Diaries, idea-journals, poetry, note-taking and story-writing are all ways to use writing to boost your brain power.

10. Sleep better - The quality of sleep is important rather than the quantity of hours you sleep. As long as you get a certain amount of sleep - probably a minimum of five hours - the quality seems to be more important than the quantity. Also, short naps in the afternoon seem to work well to recharge the brain for some people.

11. Make a brainpower plan. It takes about twenty to thirty days of repetition to establish new habits, as psychologists tell you. This means that when you create your plan for better brainpower, be sure you plan to use that new problem solving techniques. You can use many of the brain boosters here and get immediate results, but it is creating new habits that will give you the most brainpower.

THE GREAT STRESS BUSTER - ?

Stress is another name to modern day living, tensions at work place to way back home.
Everyday, each of us go through stress a number of times—mild or severe. Stress still remains the major affliction of life, making one feel lonely, lost, anxious, sense of betrayal, all in all life becomes a pain to survive.

Meditation brings down stress levels, improves balance and provides calmness to the mind.

Since its complete eradication is neither possible nor desirable, the best alternative could be that we can equip ourselves to manage stress positively.

Did we ever think how to energize ourselves and get hold of that precious weapon which is nothing a boaster and a great force? Stress not only affects our body it also affects our mind and spirit as well.

The Mind is a great tourist. It strays, hence always compared with a monkey!

When man finds all outward sources of solace dried up then he looks within, he tries to understand the nature of the 'self'. This kind of mental orientation helps realize one’s inner potential and achieve personal growth. Spirituality, or knowing one’s, `self`; is the real purpose of life, and one’s relationship with God, is rapidly catching the imaginations of modern men.

The knowledge of the self makes one experience and convince from the personal front about the insignificance from the point of permanency. There is change in outlook, positive approach, one is cheerful, absolutely spontaneous.

One learns to be more relaxed in life and view things with a positive approach. There is no hidden aggressions, temperaments which he now nourishes. He learns to accept the fact that even this will pass away and hence, there is nothing to be worried about. Pursuance of spirituality encourages one to empty all negative thoughts and distractions from one’s mind and helps one cultivate a passive attitude towards nagging life situations. Man now learns the passive attitude the essential factor in eliciting the Relaxation Response.

Various practices associated with the path of spirituality—meditation, breathing exercises, physical exercises (yoga kriyas/ yoga practices), and practice of positive thinking takes one physically and mentally better equipped to manage stress.

To put in a nutshell one develops tolerance towards others, willing to help,looks at this world as one family. We can put an end to the breaking up of families because of compatibility problems among couples.

DEDICATION TO GOD

The art of "Yoga" teaches one to control his mind and thus dedicate himself to God and thus lead a peaceful life. Yoga at the same time does not ask one to detach himself from his worldly duties, enjoyment, etc. A stage when man becomes becomes humble, kind considerate and compassionate in his attitude.

Yoga makes us whole by realizing the divine in our present life and helps us to lead a life free from anxiety and fear. Man has many shortcoming and flaws in him. The greatest of all vices in man that brings his downfall or creates hurdles in his life is his EGO. it is the pride which spoil's man's relations with others and makes his behavior rough or unrighteous and it is the mental and emotional attachment that puts him in various bondage. Yoga is that frees man from this enslavement of this bondage.

Yoga teaches one to have unswerving faith in God and to surrender himself unto Him so that the divine forces can work on him to remove the hard crust of vices. The inner feel of self-surrender brings to him the meekness so that he now thinks fit to act as per God's will. His pride of erudition, worldly wisdom, riches, youth and vigour now vanishes.

Dedication to God brings changes in a person that he no longer remains confined to a group of people, he can love the world in its broader aspect. Neither has he any aversion or ill-will towards others and feels he should be of service to the world which is his family.

Hence YOGA creates a yogi who does his duties without attachment and without ego. He himself likes to be in the service of mankind.

PRAYER IS A GOOD MEDICINE

Prayer is an active effort to communicate with a deity or spirit of one’s choice either to offer praise, to make a request, seek guidance, confess sins, or simply to express one's thoughts and emotions. The words of the prayer may either be a set hymn or incantation, or a spontaneous utterance in the praying person's own words.

Prayer unites the soul with God, it acknowledges the presence of the Divine, a place where pride is abandoned and the Ego is shattered and a humble supplication is made. A place where a joyful/broken heart has a feel to cry or open its heart to the mother nature, a force that is supreme and invincible, where hope is lifted and the heart is filled with lots of strength, a hope for the spirit and a treat for the soul where we admit our needs and surrender to him. Prayer is the exercise of faith and hope. It is the pillar of strength, where mighty men were brought on their knees.

A song unknown and words just from the depth of one's heart - the language of the soul and the spirit united with the divine, longing to search the eternal home and relish in the presence of the divine.

THE POWER OF DISCRIMINATION

The power of tolerance leads us to discriminate between the right and wrong, also gives us the strength to act accordingly.

We are more detached now, are wiling to understand others from their perspective and analyze their problems. We are rather at the giving end than the receiving side, a merciful heart full of sympathy and love dawns on us and we are a step ahead to help the person who had behaved in the most inappropriate way.

This power of discrimination unites us with the entire humanity crossing all barriers, accepting all diversities, yet there is only one song - the song of humanity to serve with upright perfection.
It is a beautiful experience and one should strive for it as it gives us the power to act in the correct way without judging the world.

Now, we are more in a relaxed state of mind knowing the pulse of the other person. It is here we remain detached from our EGO, willing to accept and view things in the most positive way.
When we still have negative thoughts imbibed in us, then we face difficulties in any kind of relationship, else we will always be at peace and life becomes a joy.