What is Self Mastery? - Part 2
To continue with our overview of the physical component of self
mastery, it goes without saying that walking is a valuable
aerobic exercise - but you have options. You can use a bicycle
for nice days, or use indoor aerobic exercise equipment for use
on inclement weather days.
My personal favorite is the elliptical trainer. Elliptical
trainers allow you to cross train - they are very low impact
exercise equipment - you use upper and lower body - and they
don't cause excessive wear in your joints. Elliptical trainers
provide a weight bearing workout that tones muscle, adds to bone
density, and burns more calories than an exercise bike.
Some of my clients have literally shed weight away with regular
use of an elliptical trainer, Yoga classes, and a moderate diet.
That leads into the next aspect of physical health: your diet.
Diet has to be moderate and something you can live with. If your
diet causes you to be depressed, you can't stick with it, due to
your mental health. However, that doesn't justify a "junk food"
diet.
So where do you start? Look at your diet now and make moderate
adjustments. Don't get pulled into a "fad diet" that insults
your intelligence and causes rapid weight loss. Most clients
gain all that weight back, and then some, after they get off the
quick fix diet. Hence the nickname, "yo-yo diets", is a suitable
label.
Yoga does have diet plans, and eating in moderation is a key
factor. Eating affects mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Sometimes the motivation for excessive eating is not due to
hunger at all. Food is used to replace an empty feeling, and
eating becomes an emotional response, resulting in health
problems, due to over consumption of food.
Therefore, eating should be restricted to balanced,
nutritionally dense, and moderate meals. You should consider
your immune system, daily nutritional requirements, and
sustaining strength while consuming meals and drinks throughout
the day.
Personal hygiene is another area to consider. Yoga has cleansing
practices (Kriyas or Shatkarmas), that would not be entirely
accepted in the West. However, suffice to say, that you should
keep your orifices clean, brush your teeth and tongue, floss,
drink a lot of pure water, monitor your skin, and listen to your
body. A little prevention goes a long way in regard to your
health.
Yoga also teaches you how to breathe fully from the bottom of
the lungs. There are many Yoga breathing techniques called,
"pranayama." The best result from this practice is to get more
oxygen into your blood, and proper breathing can make you feel
more energetic.
The last point to bring up about your physical health is that
you should be taking a daily multi-vitamin and mineral
supplement. Choose one of good quality and research your choice.
Choose an appropriate supplement for your age and gender.