WILL POWER
H. Sequiera
Through the practice of yoga, one can strengthen one’s will power.
One does not have to do heroic things to develop one’s will power.
Doing some simple yoga practices, regularly and with devotion can
enhance one’s will power. Some selected Pranayama also do the same.
Keeping the mind one pointed, while doing the yoga practices, followed
by focusing the mind on a candle light, or on one’s breath or doing any
concentration-centering practice also helps.
This enhanced will power then can be applied to the daily chores.
Without delay and procrastination it one does the entire chores one has
to do willingly and with attention also enhance the will power.
Improving one’s self control in all dealings during the day, by control
of thought and speech also helps. Holding one’s tongue (metaphorically
that is), also helps one to develop will power and thus control the
mind. A short period of ‘mauna’ (inner and outer silence) greatly helps
to develop our will.
Control on one’s diet is also helpful. Eating at fixed times, foods
that enhance one’s mental energy is a good way to develop the will.
This control also extends to the quantity of food.
Going to bed early and getting up early helps one to plan one’s day and
then apply one’s will power to do all things well, with attention and
precision.
Thus Yoga provides us a framework to improve our will – drop by drop –
and develop our will.
To develop the will one does not have to do heroic things or think too
much; just do it.
Published in the October 2010 edition of Yoga & Total Health Magazine.
By H. Sequeira
Through the practice of Yoga, one can strengthen one’s will power. One does not have to do heroic things to develop will power. Simple Yoga practices, when done regularly and with devotion, can greatly enhance it. Selected Pranayama techniques also help in the same way.
Keeping the mind one-pointed during Yoga practices, followed by focusing on a candle flame, on one’s breath, or engaging in any concentration-centering practice, further develops will power.
This enhanced will power can then be applied to daily chores. When one performs tasks without delay or procrastination, willingly and with full attention, it also strengthens will power.
Improving self-control in all daily interactions—by controlling thoughts and speech—contributes as well. Holding one’s tongue (metaphorically speaking) helps develop control over the mind. A short period of mauna (inner and outer silence) greatly helps to cultivate will power.
Control over diet is equally important. Eating at fixed times, choosing foods that enhance mental energy, and maintaining moderation in quantity are all practices that support the growth of will power.
Maintaining healthy sleep habits—going to bed early and waking up early—allows one to plan the day effectively and apply will power with attention and precision.
Thus, Yoga provides us with a framework to gradually build will power—drop by drop.
To develop will power, one does not need to perform heroic feats or overthink. Just do it.
Published in the October 2010 edition of Yoga & Total Health Magazine.