Top 10 Yogic Thoughts to Combat Disease and Adversity

Have you ever noticed that some people when they are stuck with a disease, be it a simple flu or a life threathening disease, they tend to think that it is the end of their life. Despite the proper medicines, good diet and even rest, it takes a long time for them to recover from this adversity of illness. How can we change this ? A simple change in our thought process can do wonders while facing any adversities in our life. Yoga suggests very good thought process to develop inorder to combat diseases and adversities that fall into our life. As per Patanjali Yoga Sutra Yoga is 'chithavrutti nirodha' meaning 'Yoga is the cessation of thought process happening in our mind or in other words calming the mind chatter'.

Yoga is a science of Awareness - covering the streams of psychology, philosophy and technology. The psychology of yoga teaches the balanced state of body and mind. The philosphy of yoga teaches the purpose and goal of our life. The technology part of yoga includes various practical techniques like asanas, pranayamas, kriyas etc which helps us to attain the balanced state of the body and mind. (as said by Hansaji - Director Yoga Institute).As a human being we are affected by several emotions which are either positive or negative, where both these emotions affect our mind. It is said that the root cause of any disease or illness is our mind.If we keep our mind strong, we can face and overcome any adversity or illness that affect us in our life.

In moments of wellness, life blooms with promise; however, when shadowed by illness or adversity, finding our way back to the light demands fortitude. The ancient wisdom of yoga, more than just a practice of physical postures, offers profound insights for nurturing a resilient mindset during challenging times. Here, we explore the top 10 thought processes derived from the yogic tradition to guide us through the storms of disease and misfortune.

1. Embracing Our Reality: The journey begins with acceptance. Recognizing and coming to terms with our health condition is a critical first step; it lays the foundation for constructive action.

2. Shifting the Question: Instead of dwelling on "Why me?", we pivot towards solutions. Asking "What now?" steers our focus towards practical steps for managing our welfare.

3. Cultivating Positivity: A positive outlook serves as our beacon. This optimistic mindset propels the healing process, radiating energy that fosters recovery.

4. The Impermanence of Suffering: Reminding ourselves that "This too shall pass" offers consolation. Life's impermanence means that no ailment or hardship is eternal.

5. Mindful Awareness: Being alert to what triggers our health issues, recognizing symptoms and discomfort, empowers us to navigate our well-being proactively.

6. The Power of Release: Adopting a 'let-go' stance alleviates stress from our illness or mental health challenges. Embracing change and circumstances as they are, we navigate life more fluidly.

7. Finding the Silver Lining: When adversity skews our perspective, seeking out the positive aspects or learning opportunities in any situation can pivot us back towards hope and progress.

8. Self-Responsibility: Taking charge of our health is paramount. Relying on ourselves, rather than expecting care from others, emphasizes the importance of self-care in fulfilling our roles to loved ones and society.

9. Faith over Fear: Displacing uncertainty with trust in a higher power transforms fear into faith. This spiritual confidence guides us through the darkest tunnels towards light.

10. Acceptance and Surrender: Adopting a mindset of "Do your best and leave the rest" entails doing all we can and then surrendering the outcome to a higher reality. This attitude alleviates the burden of control and fosters inner peace.

In every trial, the yogic path offers wisdom that transcends physical boundaries, touching the essence of our spirit. These thought processes are not mere coping mechanisms but transformative powers that realign us with the rhythms of nature and the universe. As we walk the path laid by these ancient teachings, our journey through illness and adversity becomes a vehicle for growth, discovery, and ultimately, a deeper connection with the self and the world around us.

In facing life’s challenges, may these ten principles inspire and guide you towards a state of wellness and harmony, both within and without. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Let the step you take today be one of mindfulness, compassion, and resilience, as you navigate the contours of your existence with the grace and wisdom of the yogic way.