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The Purpose of Yoga - The Yogic Path to Happiness

By Paul Jerard

When we are around children, and watch them grow over time; we can see the change from a happy child to a moody young adult. What happens to humans, as we grow into adults? Why does a child enjoy life so much, and then, suddenly start worrying about everything?

Yoga helps us recapture our youth and enjoy each moment of life. Yoga has many methods to bring about states of joy and tranquility. Dr. Madan Kataria, from Mumbai, India, has a reliable method for getting in touch with your “inner child” through Laughter Yoga. The truth is adults and teenagers waste a lot of time being too serious and reinforcing their egos. There is a time to be serious, but there is much more time for humor.

In fact, laughing will stimulate your immune system and is a very dependable relaxation method. Laughter Yoga may seem foolish, but the opposite of laughing is crying, sadness, and despair. Let’s put hopelessness on hold, while we work on laughing and smiling more often.

Laughing is also an effective tool for ridding ourselves of negative energy.

Maybe a Laughter Yoga class is not for you, but you can watch a short comedy, or share a few laughs with friends. The truth is we all need to laugh throughout the day. If this is still difficult, you can practice smiling. Your reward will be the attraction of good friends who also smile and have a sense of humor, which is much better than attracting friends who scowl at everything.Why is it difficult to laugh, even when we know laughing and smiling are good for our health?

The ego, which is our “social mask,” does not want to lose control of the mind. The ego does not want to share power with your inner child. The reason is obvious: When we enjoy ourselves too much; we take power away from the ego, and the ego may have to take a “back seat.”

Happiness is not for children only. If you want to raise your spirits, just watch children. Simple things bring about feelings of joy within children. Despite all the technology, children have fun with balls, hand made creations, paper, and crayons.

Adults can afford to learn from children, because the simple pleasures in life are there for us to appreciate. Adults, who have little material wealth, must avoid becoming cynical and depressed, but the rich have their problems too.

Who is happier, the child with just enough or the child with every technological toy known to man. You already know the answer. People will not embrace a spoiled, arrogant, and miserable child. Remember the fifth Yama, Aparigraha, and avoid selfish behavior.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995.

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posted by Cheryl Levesque @ 10:52 AM