Peace and contentment must be practiced. In a noisy world full of anxieties, expectations, and a million and one tasks to complete, it's nice to hope that something can help calm the nerves and create peace from within. Yoga has become popular because besides being a physical activity that boasts many health benefits, it also is associated with seeking inner tranquility. The history and true objective of yoga is much more than merely exercises -- according to Patanjali's Yoga Sutra, it's to unite the mind and body in order to genuinely detach yourself from worldly needs and desires.
Sounds like a big order. When people first hear the word yoga, images of impossibly flexible and uncomfortable poses immediately come to mind. The most common definition of yoga today includes mostly asanas (physical poses and exercises), dhyana (meditation), and pranayama (breathing exercises). This is only a small part of yoga, which demands just as much mental activity, if not more, as physical activity. Whether you "do" yoga or not, there are two translated yoga sutras (words of wisdom) to keep in mind to start practicing peace in your life.
Sutra 2.33 says that, “When inhibited or affected by negative thoughts, positive and loving thoughts should be cultivated.”
This sutra is a reminder that whenever you have doubts, frustrations, or blame to place on others, you must practice constraint and stop these thoughts. It might be easy to blame or hate others because it feels like you are protecting yourself and furthering your own interests, but the negativity actually prevents inner growth and peace. Blame and anger can easily become routine and seem less detrimental than they really are if active positivity is not practiced. Once the mind is used to a thought, it becomes natural which leads to further negative thoughts.This consistent practice can help create a healthy response to negative thoughts or emotions.
Another sutra to remember is Sutra 2.42 which says, “From an attitude of contentment, happiness and satisfaction is obtained.” This sutra focuses on santosha, or contentment from within. It's not enough to just practice positive thinking, you must also ask yourself honestly where your contentment stems for. Reaching other's expectations or gaining approval from others feels good, but becomes dangerous because you are relying on another person for your own happiness. That is an unfair responsibility to that individual and also places you in a vulnerable position to never feel good enough for others.
The most difficult part of yoga isn't the flexibility or balance needed to practice the asanas. It is exposing yourself in order to consciously practice and develop your inner peace and contentment. This means learning to be extremely self-aware, having the discipline to restrain yourself when negative thoughts are so easy to fall into, and mentally practicing this each day.
