One who is naturally calm does not lose his sense of reason, justice, or humor under any circumstances… He does not poison his bodily tissues with anger or fear, which adversely affect circulation. It is a well proven fact that the milk of an angry mother can have a harmful effect on her child. What more striking proof can we ask for, that violent emotions will finally reduce the body to an ignominious wreck?
Indulgence in constant thoughts of fear, anger, melancholy, remorse, envy, sorrow, hatred, discontent, or worry; and lack of the necessities for normal and happy living, such as right food, proper exercise, fresh air, sunshine, agreeable work and a purpose in life, all are causes of nervous disease.
If we connect a 120-volt bulb with a 2000-volt source, it would burn out the bulb. Similarly, the nervous system was not made to withstand the destructive force of intense emotion or persistent negative thoughts and feelings.
But nervousness can be cured. The sufferer must be willing to analyse his condition and remove the disintegrating emotions and negative thoughts that are little by little destroying him. Objective analysis of one’s problems, and maintaining calmness in all situations of life will heal the most persistent case of nervousness… The victim of nervousness must understand his case, and must reflect on those continual mistakes of thinking which are responsible for his maladjustments to life.
Instead of hurrying in a state of emotional excitement to get some place, and then not enjoying it once you arrive because you are restless, try to be more calm… As soon as your mind becomes restless, give it a whack with your will and order it to be calm.
Excitement upsets the nervous balance, sending too much energy to some parts and depriving others of their normal share. This lack of proper distribution of nerve force is the sole cause of nervousness.
A body that is relaxed and calm invites mental peace.
Technique for relaxing the body- Tense with will: By command of will, direct the life energy (through the process of tension) to flood the body or any body part. Feel the energy vibrating there, energising and revitalizing. Relax and feel: Relax the tension, and feel the soothing tingle of new life and vitality in the recharged area. Feel that you are not the body; you are that life which sustains the body. Feel the peace, the freedom, the increased awareness that comes with the calmness produces by the practice of this technique.
When you have peace in every movement of your body, and peace in your thinking, and in your will power, and peace in your love, and peace and God in your ambitions, remember–you have connected God with your life.
Extract from the book “Where There Is Light” by Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda.
