There is a branch of
yoga called Anna- Maya- Kosha which
simply means to pay attention to what and how you eat because you are
what and how you eat. If you begin and continue to practice Anna yoga
you will see yourself making healthy choices as you strive to maintain balance
and vitality. This is because Anna is the pathway of knowledge leading to an
understanding of the importance of the essence of food and our health.
Knowledge removes ignorance and when ignorance is removed we make wiser
choices. This means we learn to be in balance with nature. Everything in life
moves from birth to death and our health is determined by the choices we make
in-between. Nature provides everything we need to both survive and to thrive.
Perfect health is not
about aiming for restrictions and self-denial, but rather the extinction of
physical, mental and soulful imbalances. This means that all things should be
approached with moderation, which includes diet.
When you realize the
inner temple of your own body, you understand the totality of the universe.
This simply means that through balance and moderation we reach an understanding
of the unification of the opposing forces of the universe; matter and spirit.
These two forces bring about an interaction of self-conscious awareness, which
produces illumination. We call this conscious self-awareness. Just remember: you are
what and how you eat.
Although most in the
West overeat, eat a poor diet and rarely if ever fast, a traditional ancient
yoga diet does not necessarily work in our modern day culture. When considering
a diet it is important to look at many lifestyle factors. We must take into
account that although the ancient scriptures are full of spiritual advice and prescribe a lifestyle of
health and balance, evolution, change and different cultures create the need to
expand our consciousness and approach to the essence of the foods we eat.
In fact modern
dietician might disagree with all the dairy and fat in the ancient yogic
vegetarian diet. Less dairy and fat are usually promoted in a Western healthy
diet. However, eating less and exercising more is also promoted. Very rarely do
we see fasting promoted for health and in most cases I would agree. Fasting is
simply starving the body of life supporting nutrients.
Good nutrition is not
about cure, but about life enrichment. This means that although we need foods
to help rebuild and heal the body, the Anna yoga approach is a focus of life
enhancement and wellness by increasing the life force energies through the
choices of foods we eat. If we eat healthy the body-mind finds vitality,
strength and balance and this is what is needed to keep us on our soulful path.
It has been said that nature provides all that humankind needs to stay healthy
and fit. Therefore, whole natural foods
should provide the basis of a healthy diet. You are what and how you eat.
Disciplined eating is
considered one of the basic moral observances or niyamas and one of the basic abstinences or yamas, which are two of the eight basic stages of the practice of
yoga. Yoga teaches us to take care of our body-mind so as to do no harm to both
the internal and external environments. Food can uplift or pollute our being.
Only a body that is strong and steady and a mind that is clear and sharp can
serve our soulful awakening. Therefore Anna yoga teaches that we should observe
what we eat, abstain from harming the body with impure foods and take
responsibility for our dietary needs, and the health of our entire being; body,
mind and soul. You are what and how you eat
The
body is your vehicle. The mind is your GPS. Your soul is the driver. Without a
well running body and a clear sense of navigation it is impossible to make the
journey. Take care of your body and your mind. They are the instruments of the
soul. Just remember that all of life exists in relationship to and by
coexisting with everything else that exist. Nothing exists in isolation. You are what and how you eat!
(if
you would like to know more about the yoga of eating see my book Anna Yoga –
because you are what and how you eat) http://www.doctorlynn.com
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