In beginning to train our minds we accept some basic needs –to increase our ability at visualisation – to be able to slow down our mental activity – to achieve concentration – and to harness our imagination.
To some extent we must achieve some control of these faculties before employing them to our full advantage in creative thinking. Some of us are better at one or the other and some have a near genius ability where we seem weak. In working to balance them we embark upon an interesting journey in self awareness.
Some systems of modern mind training offer us some special skills and many find that they benefit from a forthright modern approach. However, the yogic system recognizes the subtleties of human consciousness with fewer skills in the outward expressions of thought than upon the inner awareness of the extra senses and extra qualities of the mind that require stillness and a passive state for their appreciation. So stillness is considered an ‘advanced’ exercise in mind control and meditation and spiritual contemplation of the realities of life are the reward.
In simplicity and silence we hear the inner voice of our soul or spirit. So in addition to the basic training of the mental faculties that are more obvious, we give time to listen to our inner voice or intuition that serves as our guardian teacher or angel. This delicate whisper is drowned out by loud sounds, hurry and lack of a state of personal harmony. We have to create the appropriate quietude necessary to experience this higher faculty of our intelligence.
Recognize the different states of consciousness.
Practise remembering your dreams that put you in touch with your subconscious mind.
Develop strong thought power through concentration exercises.
Develop flexibility of thought and expansion of ideas through imagination.
Keep a balance between them.
Practise meditation that puts you in touch with your super-conscious mind.
Become capable of rejecting worthless or ugly thoughts.
Train your memory.
Fill your mind with beautiful, positive, harmonious thoughts so that when idle, you will easily tune in to thoughts that provide a ‘safe house’ for you in the midst of outer confusion and noise.
Allow classical music that is melodic, quiet and uplifting to exert its magic as you surrender to it in relaxation.
Allow the quality known as Ahimsa or non violence, to pervade your mind training – never use force, but rather cajole your old mental habits towards transformation.
Always be sincere, and seek the truth in this as in every undertaking.
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Sally Janssen’s wonderful book “Mental Fitness: The complete Self-Help Guide”, offers simple and timely solutions.
