For a healthy mind & body

According to ayurveda and yoga, both mind and the body are made up of five elements, the Panchabhutas of earth (prithvi), water (jal), fire (agni or tej), air (vayu) and ether or space (akash). While the body is made up of the heavier elements of earth and water (the kapha type), it functions through the lighter elements of fire (pitta or fire type) and air (vata or vital energy type). The pitta, fire or heat of the body controls all digestive processes and the vata, air or vital energy lends its spark to the nervous system. The mind, one of subtlest parts of our being is composed of air and ether, the lightest elements. In substance our minds resemble ether formless and all pervading and in motion, it resembles air-penetrating, constantly in flux. Just as the right type of food and right amount of food is necessary for a healthy digestive system, the right type of thoughts and the right amount of thoughts are essential for a healthy mind. Therefore, the simple formula for a healthy mind is allowing only positive thoughts to come, having just enough thoughts in the mind, and finally, being without any thoughts for at least some time, that is, meditating. Meditation is not only extremely conducive to mental well being and peace; it is also the first step towards self transformation and spirituality. Posture: Sit erect in a comfortable position preferably on the floor. The important factor is keeping the spine absolutely straight. Environment: Sit in a well ventilated place that is quiet and receives natural light. Set up a meditating room with soothing music and aroma in order to infuse the atmosphere with spiritual energy. Time: Meditate at the same time daily, twice a day for best results. Beginners are recommended to meditate for about half an hour daily. Attitude & Technique: Be a receptive observer while meditating. Try to observe the mind, the breath or the immediate physical environment without thinking anything in particular, watching the mind slowly empty itself out.

Confidence key to success

Situations such as job interviews, making presentations and reports, public speaking and the like require confidence as well as the pre requisite skill or knowledge. You may be well equipped to deliver a speech after hours of practice with the script but if your confidence deserts you, then no amount of preparation will suffice. Confidence springs from conviction and is not to be confused with impertinence or condescension. Confidence will allow you to maneuver even negative situations to your favour. Practising the following exercise will help you conquer your fears and boost your confidence. Step I: Sit in a relaxed manner with a straight spine, eyes closed and observe your breath. Inhale and exhale normally. Step II: Visualise a situation in the past when you felt flustered or lacked confidence. As an illustration, let's consider a job interview; visualise the interviewer asking you questions and then see yourself giving self assured knowledgeable responses. Visualise the interviewer appreciating and being impressed by your answers and demeanour. Be confident in your visualisation and see the positive outcome. Do not try and think about negative consequences arising out of your fears. Step III: Make a body movement. This could be a clenched fist or clasped hands or any other movement which you would feel comfortable replicating in the real life situation. Stay in the new pose for five minutes as you continue to visualise yourself dealing and interacting with the person on the other side. Step IV: Slowly open your eyes and look at the new pose which you made while visualising. Keep looking at the new pose for 20 seconds and close your eyes again. Open your eyes after five minutes and see the same pose again. Next time, whenever you find yourself in the situation which you had visualised, make the same gesture which you had adopted during the visualisation. You will feel more assured and deal with the situation confidently, without any fear of failure.