Lifestyle / Spirituality

Can’t find the pause button for your mind?

By Nina Hansen

Do you recall the times when you felt at peace and were filled with joy? Perhaps you were watching a sunset, hanging with friends or just simply being? Through Tantric meditative practices these states are available to you at any time or moment in your life.

In western culture we look after and train our bodies to become more enduring, healthy and resilient but the mind is left to do its own thing.

Your mind should serve you

The yogis understand that impressions and experiences become fuel for an ‘untamed’ mind – thoughts can continually churn around your mind draining you from vitality. Eastern wisdom traditions refer to an untrained mind as a crazy monkey or even a crazy monkey that has been stung by a scorpion.

The yogis understand that the mind should serve you not the other way around. Going through life without your mind under control is like driving a car without a steering wheel.

With the busy lifestyle of the 21st century, the understanding (mastery) of the mind has become more crucial than ever. Our society is now faced with significant challenges such as depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. In Australia, it is estimated that 45 per cent of people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.

The most powerful tool in your life

The yogis know that a trained mind is the most powerful tool in your life. It allows you to reach your goals, choose a positive life experience, enjoy good health as well as taking control of your life and not being a victim to your circumstances. They understand that the mind and body are a reflection of one another. It is possible to use the body to affect the mind and conversely to use the mind to affect the body.

The human being is an energy being. Prana or life-force energy pervades your entire being. Your physical body, your thoughts, emotions and your senses are different forms of energy. The flow of energy connects you to all of the different parts of your being.

From the mastery and knowledge of energy, the yogis have gifted us simple yet powerful yoga and meditation practices that create harmony and balance to your inner universe, which then transforms the experience of your outer world.

Bring harmony and tranquility to your being

A fusion of yoga postures and meditation is a perfect combination for bringing harmony and tranquility to your entire being. The conscious body-work of yoga releases stored tension in the body allowing the release of strain in the mind. In turn, the stilling of the mind through meditation brings openness and harmony to the body.

Meditation can change the expression of your genes

Studies of epigenetics reveal that the practice of meditation can change the expression of your genes – the way your DNA shows up in your body. Certain genes can turn on or off, like a light switch, influenced by external factors.

A study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison confirmed genetic changes in test subjects following a day of mindfulness meditation. The mediators experienced effects including reduced levels of inflammatory genes, indicating they had enhanced their ability to recover from physical stress.

The true experience of life

An unchecked mind is always either dreaming of the future or remembering the past. The practice of meditation brings you into the present moment. Simple exercises such as mindfulness meditation or just conscious breathing throughout your day will bring your attention into the present moment.

This practice of presence creates a state of ‘no mind’. The very nature of the mind is movement. One thought after another crates an endless stream of memories and future projections. In the same way as when the wind is blowing there is movement in the air and when the wind stops there is no more wind. When the mind stops there are no more thoughts, only the experience of the present moment as it is.

The present moment is the true experience of your life - it is what is really happening. Freedom from the past and future can always be found here and now in the present moment.

Experience a deeper level of peace

By committing to introduce conscious practices into your life in the form of yoga and meditation you can experience a deeper level of peace, become more efficient, more focused and create the experience your want by taking responsibility for your happiness.

Sources
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-24751/how-your-meditation-routine-is-alte...

About the author

Nina Hansen

Inspirational Speaker, Facilitator, Yoga & Meditation Teacher

Nina Hansen has walked the spiritual path for well over 20 years. Nina's profound wisdom and serenity captivates participants at the numerous workshops, retreats and courses that she leads. Nina's spiritual dedication and loving nature can be felt during the various teachings she offers that are flavoured by her gentle and soft teaching style. Compassion and tolerance are intrinsic components in her ability to convey the message of yoga and spirituality in a modern and contemporary approach.

Originally Norwegian, after studying and living in England and travelling extensively, Nina now calls Australia home and prefers the pristine beaches and warmer sub-tropical climate of the Sunshine Coast.

Nina has followed the Tantric path since 1999 and this focus is reflected in her teachings on Tantric sexuality, the awakening of the divine feminine and her skillful practice and transmission of the transforming practice of Tantric yoga. Nina’s path as a Tantric teacher is one of authenticity and integrity as she communicates this diverse and fulfilling path.

Nina embodies a sincere and mature attitude to genuine inner growth. This is reflected in her understanding that bringing spiritual practice into every moment of life by cultivating awareness is an essential quality to develop on the spiritual path. This ability to remain present is fundamental to expanding consciousness and is a constant reminder to embrace the journey of life and cherish each and every day.

As a truly gifted graphic designer, Nina runs her own thriving business – Nina Hansen Design where she uses her natural appreciation of aesthetics in a visual context. Nina has previously worked in some of the biggest and most successful design agencies around the world but now prefers the freedom and flexibility of her own business. Nina completed her studies in Visual Communications and the History of Art and Design in England. Nina is also an enthusiastic dancer and revels in the glitz, energy and flow of all things Latin dance.

It is perhaps fitting that her travels to India marked the beginning of Nina’s spiritual path. Nina was fascinated with the richness of Indian philosophy, specifically Tantra and quickly became absorbed by metaphysical and esoteric teachings. Her strong background in art, creativity and design gave Nina a deep appreciation of spiritual art, architecture and esoteric symbolism, all of which have an important role in the spiritual tradition of India.

Nina followed the calling of her soul to embark on the spiritual journey and search for happiness and true inner peace. After this beginning Nina spent extended periods in both India and Thailand practicing and studying this path of wisdom.

Nina has realised that the relentless pursuit of happiness was at the heart of human existence and yet this happiness is always within. The contentment we are all searching for is a deep inner peace and Nina lives each day through the understanding that happiness is a choice and we are the ones responsible for making that choice in each and every moment.