What is Self Mastery? - Part 1
Self Mastery, alone, sounds like a selfish term; but if you
cannot help yourself, you will have limited ability to help
others. Self mastery is the ability to make the most out of your
physical, mental, and spiritual health. In other words, to be
the best you can be.
As a result of your efforts, you will be able to help everyone
around you. In order for you to change the world around you, for
the better, you have to change yourself for the better, along
the way.
You cannot sit on a mountain top waiting for perfection before
you help your fellow man. The time to help is now, and we must
look at ourselves as works in progress. Appreciate yourself for
who you are, what you are, and what you have accomplished so far.
Appreciate your friends, family, and associates for who they
are. Accept them, as they are, without expecting perfection.
This is a common mistake for parents to make with their
children, but it also happens in a variety of relationships. So,
let go of demands on others - especially unrealistic demands.
Where do we start learning the secrets of self mastery? If you
accept things around you, without demand, you already have taken
the first step. There are two important factors here.
1. Once you accept people, and situations, for what they are,
you won't waste time and energy with frustration. This causes
inner frustration, emotional turmoil, worries, and depression.
2. Once you change yourself, through positive self mastery, the
world around you will change for the better, without much effort
on your part.
You will not be able to make all of the changes to mind, body,
and spirit, at once, but they are connected.
The first large component is physical. Your body needs constant
maintenance in a variety of methods: weight resistance,
flexibility, and cardio-vascular strength, require you to cross
train. So, if you have been on the couch too long, it is time to
get off. This one physical change, of daily exercise, will help
you in all aspects of life. You will feel better about yourself.
If you don't have enough time for three types of exercise -
practice at least one that will give you maximum benefits. Hatha
Yoga, swimming, and martial arts are good recommendations, as
each of them cross trains the body with fair variety.
In many Yoga classes, Sun Salutations are a series of postures -
and the ultimate cross training exercise. Once you are familiar
with them, you can practice at home. They require very little
space and no equipment, although many Yoga practitioners do use
a Yoga mat, or sticky mat, at home.