Free Your Mind From Distractions - Inspirations from the Yoga Sutra Verse 1.41
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This month, let's find inspirations in the Yoga Sutra for those struggling with constant distractions, explore some healthy steps you can take to audit your busy modern lifestyle and keep you stay on track towards your life's purpose.
According to the Yoga Sutra Verse 1.41, the mind is compared to a flawless diamond when it is completely free from distractions.
Yoga Sutra Verse 1.41 - "When the mind is free from distraction, it is possible for all the mental processes to be involved in the object of inquiry. As one remains in this state, gradually one becomes totally immersed in the object. The mind then, like a flawless diamond, reflects only the features of the object and nothing else. " The Translated Verse from The Heart of Yoga by T. K. V. Desikachar
Learn three simple steps to combine the wisdom of yoga with modern life, clear your mind, and live with purpose.
Step 1 - Begin with Awareness - Identify Distractions
Distractions can significantly impact our focus. We must recognize and address them, whether they come from external stimuli or internal thoughts. By doing so, we can avoid being overwhelmed and maintain our ability to concentrate.
Let's put out some examples that you may find relating to yourself,
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) - The fear of missing out on social events, experiences, or opportunities drives us away from what our mind and body genuinely need.
EXAMPLE: You choose to attend a party instead of reading a book and relaxing at night because you are fear of missing out.Multitasking: Multitasking may seem efficient, but it often leads to divided attention, reduced productivity, and increased stress levels.
Example - You are working at the office and attending the "online live class" simultaneously. You end up taking longer to finish your work and need help to grasp most of the ideas from the class.Instant Messaging Apps: Instant communication apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Slack can be distractions.
Example - You're hiking with friends, enjoying nature and being present. But your phone keeps buzzing with WhatsApp messages. You give in and start texting, ignoring your friends and surroundings.
You may notice there are many more distractions than those listed above. Try to write down as many as you can and identify all unnecessary distractions that are happening around you.
Step 2 - Establish a Distraction-free lifestyle
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Commit to One Thing At A Time - Dedicating your full attention and energy to a task or activity for one week. Focusing on just one thing helps free our minds from distractions. When we are fully present, we can enhance our efficiency, productivity, and mindfulness. We work with less stress and produce higher-quality output when we commit ourselves to one task at a time.
Plan Your Day - Every night, take 10 minutes to plan your following day. Rather than being reactive to external circumstances, plan your day proactively. Setting your intention for the next day and creating a structured plan can help you allocate your time efficiently and maximize productivity. Most importantly, planning helps you avoid distractions and stay focused on your goals. By planning your day, you can free up mental space and take control of your life.
Learn to Say No - This week, try setting three healthy boundaries and make yourself a priority. When you have a clear understanding of your purpose, it becomes easier to know what to prioritize. Saying no when necessary can help protect your time and energy. By cultivating healthier boundaries, you can make more intentional choices and lead a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
Schedule Me-Time - It is recommended that you devote around 3 to 4 hours every week to enjoy the activities you love. These activities can be anything from meditation, exercise, hobbies, reading, or simply spending some quiet moments alone. This "Me-Time" can help you recharge your batteries, reduce stress, and boost your energy levels. This intentional self-care practice is essential for maintaining balance, enhancing overall happiness, and fostering a deeper connection with yourself.
Step 3 - Live Like a Yogi - Yoga is the Journey to Inner Peace
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Easy Breathing Exercise - Set a Timer for 5 minutes and focus on your breath. As yogis, we always bring our attention back to our breath. It is the easiest way to access the present moment without fancy techniques. Set you timer and follow the steps,
1/ Close your eyes.
2/ Play some relaxing music you like.
3/ Focus on your breathing, gently in and gently out.Practice Mindfulness Meditation - Whenever you need a break, set a timer for another 5 mins. To practice mindfulness meditation,
1/ find a quiet and comfortable space
2/ close your eyes
3/ focus on your breath, bodily sensations, thoughts, and emotions without judgment.
4/ Observe the sensations as you breathe and gently return your focus to the breath whenever any distractions arise.
Practice Yoga Asana - Taking time to practice yoga at least once a week. Yoga is a great way to release the tension stored in your body, quieten the fluctuations of your mind, and connect with your breath and inner self. Every yoga pose invites you to be fully present in the moment, fostering a deep sense of mindfulness and inner awareness.
Conclusion
If you're tired of being constantly distracted, it's time to take action. Following the three essential steps to help you clear your mind of distractions and live a more purposeful life.
Firstly, recognise your distractions.
Secondly, commit to a distraction-free lifestyle.
Thirdly, live like a yogi to achieve mindfulness, relaxation, and focus.
Incorporating these steps into your daily routine is crucial to declutter your mind, boost your productivity, and lead a fulfilling life. So, don't wait any longer to take control of your distractions and free your mind!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can yoga help me keep my mind from distractions? Yoga is a holistic practice that can help you keep your mind focused and free from distractions. Through breath awareness, physical movement, meditation, and relaxation, yoga promotes mindfulness, reduces stress, and improves focus. So, if you want to keep your mind from distractions, practising yoga can be a great way to achieve that.
