Self-Care: Exploring the 5 Layers
Liz Glover Wilson
Our Mental/Emotional Body - Part Three

Our minds are being bombarded by so many messages; sending our thoughts racing this way and that. There is pressure and conflicting messages everywhere we turn. Even those who have decided 'not to listen' to the news or follow current events, can still feel the negative energy around them. With a pandemic, extreme views, and ever changing rules of engagement, many of us are stuck in - what feels like - a whirlwind of thought patterns. 

Can we manage our thoughts better?
Can we live with more positive thinking?
Can we elevate our vibration? 

We continue our five part series and encourage you to check in with your mind/emotions, wisdom/spiritual self, physical self, energy/social self and your highest self daily.
 
This week, we continue to use the Pancha Koshas (five sheaths) as I guide you through this five part series.

The Sanskrit name for the second “kosha” or sheath of the body is said to contain prana (energy). This is the vital sheath that animates life and unites the body and mind.

The MIND STUFF!

THE third of the five sheaths (mind/emotions) is Manomaya Kosha 

The Manomaya Kosha is where the concept that we are separate, individual and alone begins.

In the word ‘manomaya’, ‘man’ (pronounced as a ‘u’ as in the word nun) means mind, but it is also inclusive of the emotions or heart.

This layer of self interprets what it receives as sensory information through the sense organs (see, hear, taste, etc.).

It also compares itself to others, devises plans based on the sensory information and houses our opinions, beliefs and feelings.

It is what makes us stand apart as an individual. It is the home of our unique views and can be considered the home of the ego or individuated self.

It is also the layer of much anxiety and struggle.
Many of us feel like we can't 'turn off' our thoughts.
Many of us feel like we are going in circles.

Meditation Scenario # 1
(interrupted)

Student in focus:
"I will think more positive.
I will think more positive.
I will think more positive.
(interruption) when does this meditation end?
I will think more positive.
I  will (interruption) oh no, I totally forgot to call dad. I hope he didn't leave yet. I always forget these things. Am I totally self-absorbed? Is this meditation thing just selfish? Maybe I should leave and call him. This is just the worst. I am being the WORST daughter. I bet Fran called him and of course she IS HIS favorite, so another point against me. This is so bad. It's like I am a failure at so many things. . . .Look at Michael in his meditation. He is so perfect. He is totally focused. Not me. I am the WORST!"
(interrupted meditation - student turns to self doubt, sadness and dispair)

Meditation Scenario # 2 
(sitting with and through the interrupted)

Student in focus:
"I will think more positive.
I will think more positive.
I will think more positive.
(interruption) when does this meditation end?
I will think more positive.
I  will (interruption) oh no, I totally forgot to call dad. I hope he didn't leave yet. I always forget these things. Am I totally self-absorbed? Is this meditation thing just selfish? Maybe I should leave and call him. This is just the worst. I am being the WORST daughter. I bet Fran called him and of course she IS HIS favorite, so another point against me. This is so bad. WAIT, this is important. I am being way too hard on myself. Big breath in. Letting go of this anxiety now. My dad knows I love him. Going to breathe. Giving this to God and moving forward.
I will think more positive.
I will think more positive.
(interruption)  this is better. I am proud of myself.
I will think more positive."

Take time this weekend to add a new sacred daily routine to your life.

'THE MIND STUFF' JOURNAL EXERCISE:

1) YOUR FOCUS
EXERCISE: Sit and journal about some of your thinking patterns that are not bringing goodness into your life. Consider how it makes you feel. Is it helping or hurting? How is it impacting your daily life.

Corrie ten Boom, a survivor of the Nazi death camps, once said, “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God (inside of you, around you and above), you’ll be at rest.”

My teacher always told me to find YOUR TRUE NORTH - whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Phil. 4:8 


2) RE-FRAME
EXERCISE: Choose one area to work on. Replace the thought pattern with positive thoughts. This may require a prayer or meditation that is repetitive to help re-frame. You must do this daily.

"Healing the mind," writes Jack Kornfield in A Path with Heart, "takes place in two ways: In the first, we bring attention to the content of our thoughts and learn to redirect them more skillfully through practices of wise reflection (Note: Buddhist practice calls for repetitive phrases to break old habits). We can use conscious thought to reflect more deeply on what we value." 

3) YOUR WORDS
EXERCISE: Notice how you speak about your circumstances, about yourself and about others. Change the narrative. Maybe you say "I am so stupid!" Now, you replace that with "I am so smart!" 

Our thoughts do impact what we manifest in our lives. But it can be argued that the real power lies in our words. It is our words that provide a bold affirmation of our innermost thoughts. They are a confirmation to the world of how we see others, our lives and ourselves. 

There is a Proverb that says death and life are in the power of the tongue. Mind your words. Speak LIFE to yourself and all those around you.

4) EACH DAY
Focus on just ONE area of your thought process that you are struggling with. Apply consistent love to this area for 7 to 14 days, by repeating exercises 1-3. Pray, meditate, journal and get help if you need it. Don't give up. Keep on the path towards the higher calling my friend. If you tired, or hopeless - reach out and know that we are here for you. Don't give up.

If you have questions, or want ideas feel free to email me at liz@stonewaveyoga.com.