We go to school and college to learn many hard and soft skills. But we never learn how to handle stress, anger, anxiety and other negative emotions.
What do you get angry with? People, incidents, situations? So, your anger is all directed at people or situations. YOU are also included in those people – either you are angry at yourself, or someone else.
You feel angry because of some weakness. When you want to do something but are not able to do it, then that incapability evokes anger in you. When you are capable and powerful, why would you feel angry?
When you get angry, and do not express it, you suffocate. On the other hand, when you express it, you feel guilty. So, the key is to rise above both. See life from a different perspective. This will happen when you grow in your consciousness.
You feel angry because of some weakness. When you are capable and powerful, why would you feel angry.
– Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
When you feel anger arising in you, just before that you can feel some sensations in your body, like a tingling sensation on the top of your head, or in the forehead or the back of your head; or you will feel some stiffness at the neck and shoulder region. Observing all those sensations at that very moment is a skill. When you become habitual of observing those sensations, then you can conquer anger very easily. This requires a raising of consciousness.
Sudarshan Kriya raises your consciousness. Sudarshan Kriya stabilises the life force and, consequently, the mind. The inner dimension unveiled by the practice of meditation deeply enriches us, and its impact slowly spills over to all aspects of life.
You can bid goodbye to misery by connecting with an altogether different dimension, a solidified silence, a bolt of bliss and a glimpse of eternity, which is in you and as you. You simply have to tap into it.
The Stress Epidemic
Many of us are familiar with the effects of stress on our body — from headaches, to upset stomachs, body aches and tiredness. How about a crash course that teaches us what happens to the brain under stress and how we can handle it?
Sudarshan Kriya stabilises the life force and, consequently, the mind.
– Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Under stress a physical response is triggered which directly affects the brain in ways that impede our ability to focus and concentrate. This response limits our ability to connect with friends and colleagues and strains our relationships.
In the UK, 18 percent of the population is suffering from loneliness and depression. They have a loneliness minister to tackle this problem. The World Economic Forum recently said depression has a big mental health impact on the planet. The business community is realizing this, and it’s a welcome sign.
You may remember from high school biology that brain cells use chemicals called neurotransmitters to communicate. Under stress, a hormone called cortisol is released which hinders the functioning of neurotransmitters making it harder for brain cells to talk to each other. This makes it difficult to think clearly and is the reason why we get confused in a crisis or in a stressful situation. Cortisol also causes a chemical reaction that directly kills brain cells.
Cortisol triggers the fight-or-flight response. This directs blood glucose or energy away from the brain to our muscles so we can fight or flee. Such a response can help us save our lives if we’re running from danger. In daily life, when stressed, the response creates an energy crisis in the brain which obstructs our ability to learn new things.
The Solution to Stress shouldn’t Stress You Out
Having known how stress affects the brain one would think the solution is to simply force the mind to relax. Unfortunately the mind has a terrible time telling itself what to do.
Forcing our minds to do something like relaxing just doesn’t work. A solution to effectively manage the stress and calm the mind can be found in a more tangible tool – breathing.
European researchers studied people watching movies that induced emotions of anger, sadness and happiness. They discovered that each emotion creates a distinct breathing pattern. They also found that just having people breathe in these patterns induces the corresponding emotions. We can influence our emotions through our breath so instead of simply being overwhelmed by our emotions we can transform them through specific breathing techniques.
Numerous independent studies have shown that Sudarshan Kriya is an effective stress management tool. Psychiatrists in India’s National Institute of Mental Health found that levels of the stress hormone cortisol are significantly lower in those who practice the Sudarshan Kriya. Research published in Sweden shows that Sudarshan Kriya significantly reduces stress, anxiety and depression. It increases our optimism and well-being.
Research has shown that Sudarshan Kriya is as effective as standard anti-depressive drug therapy and it’s free of side effects while enhancing brain functioning.
Sudarshan Kriya Provides the Manual for Life
Just like driving a car, we have to learn how to operate the steering wheel, the clutch, the brake and so on, to move towards stability of the mind, we must know the basic principles of our life force energy. This is the whole science of pranayama.
When our prana or life force keeps fluctuating, our mind also goes up and down through the roller coaster of emotions. One cannot handle the mind from the level of the mind. Just forcing positive thoughts on oneself is not enough and, more often than not, leads to a relapse.
Knowing the secret of breath can transform lives. Sudarshan Kriya unveils the secret of the breath.
– Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Medication like anti-depressants seem to help only in the beginning and eventually make the person dependent on them rather than free him/her from the tendency. This is where knowing the secret of breath can really transform lives. Sudarshan Kriya unveils the secret of the breath.
The word for solitude in Sanskrit is ekant, meaning ‘the end of loneliness’. Loneliness cannot end by changing companions, even if we find people who are more sympathetic and understanding. It can only end when you discover your real nature for yourself. Only spiritual solace can take one out of despair and misery. Sudarshan Kriya gives you a glimpse of who you really are.
