Developing Mental ‘Fitness’

Keeping fit physically is essential to keeping healthy. But mental fitness is vital too. 

You can develop your mental fitness through Kundalini Yoga as much of the battle in it is mental. You may feel some discomfort during a challenging physical exercise, but – with the exceptions of illness or injury* – the battle isn’t usually with the physical body, it’s with the mind.

Sure, you may need to make some physical adjustments. When you’re in better alignment, the exercise might flow more easily. But once the mind starts whining – and worse, you start listening – you’re in trouble.

You have a choice. You can give up or you can exert your will and push on through. You’re best served when you don’t engage with the ego mind. When thoughts come up (my arms hurt, I’m tired, I’m hungry, I’m wasting my time with this kriya), regard them for the distractions that they are and let them go. Bring your focus back to the breath or the mantra. If there isn’t a mantra, you can default to inhaling “Sat” and exhaling “Nam”.

This simple act of asserting your will over the ego can cause profound transformations. You can overcome your own patterns of self-sabotage and develop the ability to keep your focus on whatever task at hand. That ability to hold your own when someone challenges you. That ability to keep up when difficulties arise.

A daily Kundalini practice can help you grow and cultivate your mental fitness. You can join our daily classes here.

*Please note: In the case of injury or illness when your body says no, then don’t push on through. Learning to listen to your body is important. Get to know it and learn the distinction between its voice and the ego mind. More on this another time.