Mind, Body, and Spirit
Thought and Method in the Psychology of Yoga
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Gidi Ifergan
Yoga is mostly associated with wellbeing in terms of its physical aspect, but less with its psychological one. By reconsidering Patañjali’s authoritative yoga text, this paper explores what yoga offers in terms of concrete psychological methods and their therapeutic effects and relevance for contemporary yoga practitioners. Although spiritual insight in yoga and its practice is very effective, it does not automatically grant the yogi a high standard of moral conduct or emotional maturity, as they may still be challenged by issues such as sexuality, relationships or money. These challenges can arise because the raw potential energy of unresolved subliminal imprints can be acted out when triggered by particular circumstances. Those subliminal imprints (saṃskāras) are self-perceptions and beliefs that reside in the depths of our memories, and comprise emotions, sensations and thoughts that are etched in our minds as a result of past events. This process prompts the need to re-evaluate yoga’s psychological methods. This paper examines a specific Western psychological method, demonstrating its capacity to resolve subliminal imprints or habitual tendencies, particularly compulsive afflictive ones. This method informs and complements yoga, allowing us to move towards a fresh understanding of yoga’s psychological aspect as an essential component of wellbeing.
Vipassana: Truth Based Meditation Unfolding Causal Genesis Being Wellness Peace
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Dr. Pardeep Kumar, Renu Chhikara, Prashant Chhikara
Mainly there are two aspect of the life of any species or human- physical body and mind. The sensations reflect in behavior vocally or physical behavior in term of reaction to those specific type of sensation. For pleasant sensation we, crave- wish to have more and for unpleasant react as aversion or to hate try to get rid-off that sensation, depend upon type of action/reaction on sensation- wholesome /unwholesome. The unpleasant sensation elevate the emotions of aversion, hate, jealousy and negative thoughts causes some bio-chemical secretion and reaction negatively to mixing in blood stream, which causes health and wellness hazards. Wellness is a process of becoming aware of and learning to make healthy choices that lead toward a longer and more fulfilling life. It is the recognition of the deep interconnections between physiological health and the psychological, physical, spiritual and social needs that are necessary for us to enjoy higher levels of human functioning.n body, iii. ‘Metta bhavana’ refer to love and compassion to all living things. If one practice as per the original technique can eradicate all his/her defilements from roots from depth of the mind, not only this life but all the past life, live healthy, harmonious and peaceful life and can become liberated Enlighten person, no more suffering and miseries. Each individual make the family and society, if more and more person practice Vipassana can lead to harmonious, healthy and peaceful society and world.
Mindful Breathing: A Metacognitive Strategy for Self Regulation in Medical Students View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Donald D. Matthews
There is growing body of research promoting mindfulness practices as interventions for self regulation (Kabat Zinn, 1990; Corcoran, et al., 2010; Farb et al., 2010; Siegel, 2007) and to support anxiety related conditions in university students (Regehr et al., 2013; Hoffmann et al., 2010). Graduate students, particularly those enrolled in medical education demonstrate high levels of anxiety and situational stress related to academic performance and time management. Mindfulness practices like meditation can reduce situational stress (Baer, 2003) and teach the ability to sustain attention and engage in non-judgmental acceptance of the present experience (Kabat-Zinn, 1990; Eberth & Sedelmeier, 2012). Mindful Breathing is a combination of the mindfulness practices of being present, refraining from judgment and demonstrating self compassion with deep (diaphragmatic) breathing. Medical students were taught deep breathing techniques including naming in and out breaths, counting breaths, or using a short mantra during inhalation/exhalation. State mindfulness characteristics (being present, awareness of breath, non-engagement with thoughts, ideas, emotions) were instructed to enhance attention and increase emotional regulation. Mindful Breathing as a metacognitive strategy supported emotional regulation by reducing emotional reactivity while refocusing attention. This session will discuss the practice of Mindful Breathing, a self regulation strategy taught to medical students at Touro University California.
The Effects of an Integrated Body-Mind-Spirit Approach Group Programme on Stroke Survivors: Singapore Context
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Hsiew Ling Lena Lye
This is a preliminary evaluation on the effectiveness of an integrated body-mind-spirit approach group programme in improving the well being of stroke survivors (SS). The onset of a stroke is a traumatic experience. Many SS reported emotional maladjustment and poor interpersonal relationships, which affect their motivation in therapy and lead to poor recovery. Therefore, it is paramount to help SS to manage emotions, build resiliency and develop transformation growth. The programme adopts the combination of eastern philosophical health practices with western group psycho-therapeutic techniques. With Singapore's Asian population, this approach attempts to contextualize activities according to the local culture so as to facilitate participants to explore their inner self (i.e. their emotional coping stances, world views, and mindsets) and learning ways to manage their emotions. Programme comprised of 6 weekly sessions (2.5 hours/ session/ week) for a group of 8-12 participants. The programme was run for 3 groups (mixture of SS and caregivers), total of 28 subjects, over different time periods. 3 pre/ post self reported questionnaires and a post programme self reported evaluation form were administered. Paired t-tests are used to analyse the pre/post results. Result show improvement in the well being, self efficacy and mood levels of the subjects. Using the body-mind-spirit framework, healthcare practitioners can potentially engage SS better while facilitating the important process of exploration and change for SS to manage better in their emotions and interpersonal relationships.
