Art and Science of Stress Management
A Divine Initiative To Conquer Stress
As per the report of WHO and other medical institutions, psychologists, sociologists, researches and explorers of human mind-body system, stress-related ailments are spreading as dreadful epidemic faster than cancer. Criticality of this perilous situation can be understood from the fact than little children are also being affected by stress-related symptoms. The quality of life, flow of life and productivity of people from all walk of life; all aspects of human life are being severely impaired due to stress either, it is work life stress or stress related to other facets of life.
The inner- health of managers and professionals of present period is in grave danger due to tremendous stress in all spheres of life, personal as well as professional. The work atmosphere, in general, is charged with perverse thoughts, lacking of values and wisdom and also severe conflicts making the organizational environment tempestuous
The most dangerous part of this epidemic named stress is that it silently creates hazard to the health of individual, his family and relationships. It creates hazard at societal level as well as hazard at the work life and productivity of an organization. It has already been perceived, researched and established that Stress may be the major source of human errors. It is further to be noted that no solution is being administered since simply talking or counseling through words does not make much difference to the mental frame of stressed person.
The Solution demands change within the self of individuals which is only possible by specific meditations, Sadhana such as the AUM (OM) Sadhana, Jyoti Sadhana, Divine Reiki, breathing exercises etc. These meditation techniques are distinctly effective for natural health. These were propagated by the ancient sages after deepest exploration of causal, subtle and physical human structure and thus they are the most suitable as well as result oriented. These are already researched at various scientific bodies and adopted in different arena of human activities world wide for its therapeutic and holistic effects.
The training module presented by us is a comprehensive module in which scientific knowledge about mind-body system during stress related stimulation, nervous system during stress, release of stress related hormones, its damaging effect, as well as, the inherent system in our mind-body for relaxation – a gift by nature to human etc. are discussed. Participants are also trained in specific and powerful methods of meditation to get connected with the “Universal Life Energy Force” (the ocean of Prana).
All participants express deep relaxation which is experienced by them during and after the meditation session Above meditation practices, Sadhana, are Non-sectarian and Universal in nature. These are acceptable and easy to learn by people from all religions, faith, sex, cast and creed, all educational backgrounds, all geographical locations as well as adaptable by person speaking all languages/ dialects. These are perceptible to children, youth, elder and old i.e. person of all ages – all walk of life.
Indian Model For Health And Life Style:
Indian philosophers, sages and seers have blessed humanity with scientific models of spiritual techniques of meditation, prayer and life style. The comprehensive systems for natural health propagated by Vedic sages are based on deepest and finest explorations of mind – body system, subtle intrinsic formation and causal elements of human existence. The Vedic model of life style comprises scientific techniques of integration with Inner Ocean of boundless energy and synchronization of individual human consciousness with collective universal consciousness. It provides a comprehensive system for prophylactic health protection, strengthening of natural health of mind-body system and intrinsic attributes as well as expansion of consciousness. The sacred Vedic texts enlighten the material and spiritual world of humanity since ancient ages even dated back three and half millennia. The Vedic concept of health is comprehensive, holistic and very specifically defined for strengthening the natural health elements at physical, mental, emotional and subtle energy level.
Modern Concept Of Health:
With the advancement and scientific explorations, the new era medical science is considering the wider dimensions of human existence in this living world. Human ‘health’ has now again gained a holistic definition and perception specifically considering the physical, chemical, biological, emotional and bio-plasmic energy noxins. Now with deeper understanding of physical, subtle and casual human structures, modern scientific approach calls for holistic consideration for prophylactic health protection which tends strengthening of not only body-mind related factors but also emotional, psychological and other subjective and subtle profiles of human existence. The definition of health updated by WHO (World Health Organization) in 1986 has taken into consideration all those factors. Quality of life has been considered as important factor of health.
The definition of WHO integrates the domain of physical, functional, psychological and social parameters which indirectly relates to emotional, attitudinal and perceptional domain of human life arena. ‘Quality of life’ has been described considering subjective perceptions, clinical measurement of health parameters and relevant parameters of multidimensional aspect of human profile. Thus, WHO defines ‘health’ as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.
Mental Health :
Individual emotional and psychological well-being are studied and described under domain of “mental health”.
World Health Organization (WHO) has minutely considered the multitude dimensions and parameters of human health. According to WHO mental health can not be defined in one official phrase and definition. All factors related to human feelings, perceptions and emotional stimulations have given importance to define mental health of a person. Thus factors related to cultural differences, subjective assessments and various professional theories; all give different dimension and definition to mental health. Merriam-Webster defines mental health as, “a state of emotional and psychological well-being in which an individual is able to use his or her cognitive and emotional capabilities, function in society and meet the ordinary demands of every day life.” Now the modern advanced medical science has very clearly established inter – dependent and sensitively integrated inter-relationship between physical, mental and emotional formation of human being.
Thus the modern scientific explorations and medical concepts are again driving us towards the holistic model of life and health which is the model propagated by sacred Vedic philosophy.
Present Scenerio:
Present days health problems, mental agonies, psychological disorders, inter-relational turmoil, stress and degradation of quality of life, all are deeply related to multitude of individual issues which are under crisis in this age. Fibromyalgia, a debilitating neuropsychiatic problem deeply related with prolonged stress and un-natural lifestyle is fast spreading among youth of ages from 20 to 40. The common symptoms of diseases are insomnia, anxiety, depression, functional bowel disturbances, nervous tension, fatigue etc. and it is severely irritant. It ruins the professional and family life, impairs the life and productivity.
This is the tale of only one disease. If we list this type of all diseases and their symptoms like hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, high cholesterol, Ischemic heart diseases, depression, diabetes etc., the total scenario is horrifying. Humanity is suffering, life flow is obstructed and many people never experience the real taste of health, joy and happiness. As per survey done in India due to sedentary life style, chaotic work patterns and unrealistic way of perceiving world around, 60-70 percent of persons visiting doctors suffer from hypertension, 50-60 percent of those from insomnia and depression and around 40 percent suffer from hypertriglyceridemia and high cholesterol. They further lead to Ischemic heart problem, psychological imbalance, stomach problem and poor fertility rates. Studies further revealed that more than 70 percent of male are affected by heart problem and females are more prone to depression and various gynecological problems (Report published in Times of India ref: amrita.roychodhury@timegroup.com )
Meditation: A Spiritual Technique For Attunement With Unbounded Energy
Meditation is the tongue of the soul and the language of our spirit.
If you want to find God, hangout in the space between your thoughts.
Meditation connects with the inherent stream of peace and harmony within oneself:
In general from dawn to dusk and even during sleep also at night, human brain remain under active stimulation. Each thought with which we get involved with, gives certain chemical reaction in our mind-body system. Positive thought influence positively strengthening our total health where as negative thought stimulate in opposite way i.e. imparting various sickness by causing our system in ‘dis-ease’.
Meditation contributes significantly to physical and mental well-being. During meditation the flow of thought gets progressively reduced and the extent one attains the state of thoughtlessness, he experiences that much pleasure with unbounded relaxation and tranquility. There have been extensive evidences from scientific studies that during meditation brain waves attain the level of range corresponding to deep sleep and relaxation.Meditation stimulates not only physical and mental relaxation but also conquers upon and removes the negative impressions, the scars of life, from deeper level of our psyche and subtle formations. It connects us with the unbounded ocean of Divine Life Energy Force which subsequently makes it possible to realize the state of eternal joy, absorbed in Bliss, assimilating true knowledge and right action. Thus it bestows a practitioner with inner strength to achieve optimum productivity. The process of meditation makes us oblivious to the sorrows and sufferings of physical word.
In this age people are intensively attached to Artha and Kama (i.e. money and sensual pleasure). The instinct of Dharma and desire of Moksha has got backseat in this materialistic wave today. This is devastating. It creates shackles of Sanskaras which make a person to suffer unlimited pains, fears and heart breaks. It has resulted into mental tensions, worries, deep-seated insecurities and fear, blind passion, hatred, anger, remorse and regret.
Here it is to emphasize that the more restless the individual, he is more distant from his own inner self. Materialistic and sensual impulses actually drag person away from the inner most being, the one which is always in eternal calm, peace, balance and enlightened.
Once connected with his inner nectareous Divine Energy, person starts getting reflections of his real self, his real state of joyfulness, true health and essence of fulfillment.
The effect of scientific process of meditation techniques is not limited only up to attaining health of mind-body system but it is far beyond up to a state of bliss, free from sorrows. The specific meditation techniques which attune one with Divine Universal Vibrations of Nature should be plasticized with zeal, gratitude and complete surrender. It must be learnt and plasticized under guidance of a selfless and devoted practitioner who himself is leading a worldly life integrated with science of spirituality. The moment we get initiated and integrated with this universal vibration, the whole perception towards world around gets a new definition filled with divine love, compassion, health and happiness.
Psychological transformation and healing through Spiritual practices:
- Strengthening positive feeling and behaviour, Will power, Self-esteem, Memory power, Inculcating Ethical values, reasoning and analytical skills, improvement of Inter-personal skills, leadership development, organizational skills, and overall personality development.
- Management of Stress, Depression, Emotional disturbances, De-addiction,
- Attaining natural health by enhancing the inner curative power inherent within self.
Spiritual development:
Time required and adaptability for these Spiritual Practices:
- Stress has been declared as dreadful epidemic.
- Stress is source of 80 to 90% of serious illness (Ref. U. K. HSE. Stress statistics)
- Affects adversely the memory, concentration & learning.
- Makes one unstable at emotional level.
- Makes one proven to infections, diseases by reducing immunity.
- Reduces one’s tolerance to adopt changes.
- Personal life-family life gets disturbed, tensed and broken
- • Organization’s environment gets charged with perverse thoughts, Jealousy, hatred, ego, fear and impatience.
- Quality of work life gets contaminated.
| Symptoms of Stress (Acute) | |
|---|---|
| Physical | Emotional / Behavioral |
| • Cold Hands / Feets • Cool skin • Increased sweating • Rapid breathing • Faster heart beat • Tense Muscles • Feeling of Nausea • Butterflies in stomach • Dilated pupils • Upset stomach • High Blood Pressure (High B.P.) • Desire to Urinate | • Fiddling • Twitching • Grinding Teeth • Nail biting • Finger Drumming • Pacing • Mood disturbances • Loss of concentration • Irritability • Frustration • Over reacting |
| Symptoms of long term stress (Chronic) | |
|---|---|
| Physical | Emotional / Behavioral |
| • Asthma • Migraine • Skin disease • Reproductive disorder • Weak immune system • Growth inhibition • Loss of appetite • Insomnia • Fatigue • Cardiovascular diseases • Frequent cold • Sexual Dysfunction | • Escapist • Irrational behaviour • Loss of memory • Disturbed relationship • Hostility • Frustration • Anxiety • Phobia • Depression • Fear • Narrowness • Feeling unhappy • Dizziness |
| Autonomic Nervous System | |
|---|---|
| Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) | Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) |
| Facilitates the process for fight or flight response. SNS characterized by Adrenaline rush, faster frequencies of brain waves (Beta waves), Dilated pupils. High BP. High Blood Sugar etc. etc. Except the needed effort perceived to counter threat a ll other Hormonal system gets switched off. | Facilitates the process for fight relaxation and tranquilizing response. PNS characterized by constricted pupils slow and stable breathing. Normal blood pressure and healthy pulse etc. |
Values
- Deep rooted (enduring) viewpoints (believes).
- Intrinsic and Causative to a specific mode of conduct or end state of existence or goal to be achieved.
- Facilitative of end choice.
- Instrument.
The Science of OM Sadhana to Manage Stress
- OM is the primeval sound through which the supreme soul has manifested itself in different creations of the universe.
- The Holy Bible also say “in the beginning there was only word, the ward was with God. The word was God, God was Word.(Mathew 3 : 2: 2)
- Yogis and Sadhana in a high state of consciousness hear this sound, without involvement of the auditory system of humans.
- Divine Veda, The Purana, the Bhagawat Gita all proclaim "OM" as ultimate truth.
- In Sikhism scripture, The Holy Guru Granth Sahib proclaims OM Sadhana as most sacred and effective sadhana named as ONKAR SATNAM and EK OMKAR SATGURU PRASAD.
- In Jainism, "OM" has been described as ultimate Sadhana termed as PADMAVIZA AKSHARA.
- In Buddhism, OM had been termed as OM MANIPADA and considered as ultimate Sadhana.
- In Sufi stream, "OM" has been accepted as the most effective and sacred sadhana termed as, SULTANUL AJAKAR.
- In Christianity, "OM" has been termed as AMEN. In Islam Religion, "OM" has been accepted and pronounced as AMIN.