inside the bod

Each of us lives inside a human body, or physical vehicle. It's kind of inconvenient to have to live that way at times, but there's no alternative available -- yet.

Inside each of these bodies of ours, an interrelated bundle of functions constantly occurs -- breathing, heartbeat, circulation, digestion, and so forth. Beyond these gross, physical manifestations of our existence, there also dwells somewhere inside each body a mind or intellect which is hardly ever still or at rest as long as we are conscious, a set of personal attributes we call ego or "personality," and at the very center of these subtle energy forms, a core, or soul, or what might be called the germ of personality. The psychoanylist C.G. Jung theorized that this last aspect of ourselves existed not just inside us, but outside and everywhere as well, as what he called a "universal pre-consciousness."

One of the best ways to condition and optimize the muscles, joints, and organs of the physical body and its vital functions is through asana, the movements prescribed by the various lineages of Hatha Yoga. Pranayama, the art of disciplined and controlled breathing, also can have a profound impact on the vital functions, as well as opening up avenues by which we gain deeper access to the mind and personality. The mind is also susceptible to improvement through reading and study, and can be quieted by meditation, which also affects the personality. The personality can be further refined through chanting, prayer, and other forms of ritual.

Devoting an hour a day to any of these practices will enhance the flow of anyone's life. There is a logical sequence inherent in the array, and each person can determine, with guidance, which of the elements and in what proportion best suit his or her needs. This may seem egotistical or narcissistic, spending one hour of every 24 attending strictly to the details of life inside one's own body, but it actually shows consideration for others, especially those closest to us, since in the long run our steady practice means that we will be able to care for ourselves so others won't have to.

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