How Yoga Helps You Achieve Clarity
And Mental Focus?

As the Indian people are said to be more religious and spiritual, the process of yoga is also devised to achieve oneness with the supreme power. The elements of yoga also serve the same purpose and the types are not just restricted to the type which is being practiced throughout the world. To have a better understanding of how yoga can help in achieving clarity of mind and mental focus it is must to look at the elements of yoga.

Elements Of Yoga

The elements of yoga are also called the limbs of yoga and are a way that will lead to enlightenment with the truth. These are discussed one by one in the section below.

Yama

Yama deals with the ethical approach and a sense of integrity in a person. This is the code of conduct which guides people through life. For example, one should treat others the same way they want to be treated. Thus, bringing morality to a person’s life. This is further divided into five parts, namely, Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (the act of non stealing), Brahmacharya (continuity in life), Aparigraha (non-covetousness).

Niyama

Niyama means to follow the basic rules of life. Thus, this limb of yoga deals with self-discipline and observations in the spiritual context. These can be in the form of attending temples, churches, gurudwara, and other religious places regularly, meditating over the spiritual awakening. This is again divided into 5 parts, namely, Saucha (meaning cleanliness of both mind and body), Santosha (a sense of contentment), Tapas (basically heat of spirituality), Svadhyaya (studying of the scriptures in a way to understand and inculcate in life), Isvara Pranidhana (surrendering to the supreme power).

Asana

Most people know yoga as simply this limb. These are the asanas to keep better physical health, but the aspect is not just limited to physical wellbeing but also mental.

Pranayama
Pranayama is normally known as the breathing exercise. But this limb of yoga is more than just breaking exercise, it helps in controlling the breathing process, along with a proper regulation over the respiratory tract. It helps in improving the mental, physical and spiritual state along with managing the flow of oxygen in the body.

Pratyahara

Pratyahara is the withdrawal from worldly life or sensory transcendence. During this process, we make an effort to withdraw from worldly life and materialistic living focusing more on internal being. It is being aware of the materialistic and worldly meaning but still withdrawing from them for a deeper seeking.

Dharana

As one limb leads into the next one. Pratyahara opens up to dharana. After being able to overcome worldly stimuli, now it’s the time to control the wandering mind. This is the step of concentration on Dharana. Under this step, one needs to control the wandering that we do from the perspective of the mind. Thus, having control over what type of thoughts will cross the mind.

Dhyana

Dharan opens into Dhyana. Though to many, they may seem similar but there is a deep difference. While Dharana or concentration means focusing on one point, Dhyana or meditation means being aware of all the aspects without the need of focusing. That means one is aware of the truth and does not need to concentrate on it, instead of contemplating the truth to seek a better understanding and meaning.

Samadhi

After achieving all the seven limbs, one finally reaches the last limb that is Samadhi. This is the union with the supreme truth or gaol of the existence of human life. It is the merger of the meditator with the point of their meditation. Many terms it as death but the meaning is far deeper than this superficial or wrong meaning. It means the union with the power one was focusing on. The state of complete ecstasy.

These elements are what makeup yoga and not merely the asanas or the poses. These elements help in controlling the mins and improves the focusing power. A few minutes of meditation in the morning or evening can help build a strong mind and concentration power.

While the world is getting more ill with mental disorders it becomes our responsibility to try to overcome them at the best we can. After a few hours of meditation over how one should react to a certain situation, of how you have immense power in yourself, of how you are better off the more downtrodden and outcasted, one will be able to build a positive mindset and will also increase the focusing power. A few minutes of focusing on just your breathing process will thus not only make the respiratory system healthier but will also help in improving focus.

Some asanas and poses for clarity and mental focus

Yoga helps in bringing mental clarity and improves concentration through the connection of body, breath, and mind. This brings lightness to the mind and flow of blood to the body bringing clarity and thus concentration.

Now, we will look at some asanas that can help in improving concentration.

Pranayama : though this is not a pose, this is an excellent exercise for clarity and concentration. One needs to sit in an attention position with legs crossed. Then one takes a deep breath from one nostril while closing the other by finger and releasing it from the other. Then repeat the process with the other nostril. One should try to hold the breath both after inhaling and exhaling. This is generally done in the end and is one of the exercises to do.

Paschimottasana : also known as seated forward bend pose. One needs to sit straight in the pose with legs spread out, then a stretch of arms in the upward direction followed by trying to touch yours knows to the knees while touching the heel with the fingers.

Bhramari Pranayama : in this pose, one needs to sit in a quiet place. Then sit with your back straight and legs folded. Put the index finger on the cartilage of the ear. Breath in and while breathing out press the cartilage. Continue this 7-8 times.

Conclusion

Yoga is a combination of which is a complete package for health covering all the categories like mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. The people who perform or engage some time in yoga are mentally more-fitter and spiritually more enlightened. These people have a high level of ethical standards and are more mentally strong. Not only do these poses and asanas have these benefits but also, help in strengthening the systems of the body. There are asanas and poses for all types of problems. Even researchers have found that yoga can be used in controlling some deadly diseases. But what one needs to remember is that not everyone poses a purpose for all and thus, should be checked before performing if it will be beneficial for you or not.