Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from February, 2024

Dynamic Meditation

  Dynamic Meditation is a specific form of meditation designed to release pent-up energy, stress, and emotions through a structured and dynamic process. Created by the spiritual teacher Osho, this meditation technique consists of five distinct stages. Dynamic Meditation is often practiced early in the morning on an empty stomach, and participants are advised to allow the process to unfold without inhibition. The combination of dynamic and cathartic elements, followed by witnessing and stillness, aims to bring about a sense of inner balance, clarity, and relaxation. Here are the five stages of Dynamic Meditation Chaotic Breathing (10 minutes): The meditation begins with a phase of intense, chaotic breathing. Participants engage in rapid, deep breathing through the nose, allowing the breath to be forceful and chaotic. The purpose of this stage is to build up energy, awaken repressed emotions, and activate the body's life force. Spontaneous Expression (10 minutes): In the se...

Dealing with Vrittis, Kleshas, and Antarayas

  The ancient wisdom encapsulated in the Yoga Sutras, attributed to the sage Patanjali, provides profound insights into the nature of the mind, the challenges of human existence, and the transformative path of Yoga. In this exploration, we delve into key concepts such as vrittis, kleshas, and the obstacles outlined in Patanjali's teachings, as well as the practices recommended for overcoming these challenges. Vrittis: Vrittis are the fluctuations or modifications of the mind. According to Patanjali, the goal of yoga is to still these fluctuations in order to attain a state of inner peace and realization. The following sutra introduces the concept of vrittis: Sutra 1.2: "Yogas citta-vritti-nirodhah." Translation: "Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind." This sutra emphasizes the central idea that yoga involves quieting the mind and overcoming the constant modifications that occur. Patanjali's teachings guide us to understand the ...

Caregiving Dementia Patient: A path of self discovery and compassion

Caring for individuals with dementia is a journey that unveils layers of emotions, challenges, and profound moments of connection. Individuals with dementia, stemming from conditions like Alzheimer’s, experience a progressive brain disorder that impairs memory, cognition, communication, and self-care abilities. Moreover, dementia can trigger mood swings and alterations in personality and behavior.  As a caregiver for a dementia patient, each day is a delicate balance between navigating the uncertainties of the condition and embracing the transformative power of compassion. At the outset, the prospect of guiding elderly parents through their later years fills the heart with anticipation and readiness. However, the diagnosis of mental health issues abruptly shatters the illusion of stability, plunging one into a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty. The arrival of aging parents, coupled with their declining health, feels like the weight of the world crashing down upon weary shoulders. T...

Transformative power of Sudarshan Kriya

    Kamlesh’s journey of dealing with her health issues is a tale of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of holistic healing. Her story begins amidst the shadows of illness, as she grapples with epilepsy, neurological turmoil, and the weight of anxiety. Frequent hospitalizations became the norm, each stay a battle against the darkness threatening to consume her. Yet, it was during one such hospital visit that a glimmer of light emerged. Her physician, introduced her to Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), a practice that would soon become her lifeline. With each breath of SKY, Kamlesh felt the burdens lift from her chest, replaced by a newfound sense of calm and purpose. Despite the darkness that threatened to engulf her, she found solace in the rhythmic flow of her practice, a beacon of hope amidst the storm. But Kamlesh's journey was far from over. Endometriosis and liver problems added to her list of trials, casting a shadow over her path to recovery. Doctors whispered th...

Role of mind-body techniques in the management of ITP disorder

  This post deals with a case study of a 34years-old man who developed Immune thombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in 2014. His condition deteriorated despite the medications and plasma replacement therapy. However, he noticed a significant improvement in his condition as he practiced meditation, yoga, and SKY regularly. As I reflect on Vikrat Saini's journey with ITP, his case presents a compelling narrative of resilience, exploration, and the pursuit of holistic well-being in the face of a challenging medical condition. From his initial diagnosis in 2014 to his current state, Vikrat's story embodies the intricate interplay between conventional medicine, alternative therapies, and personal empowerment. What stands out prominently is Vikrat's proactive approach to his health. Upon receiving his diagnosis, he sought conventional medical treatment and diligently followed the prescribed regimen. However, as his condition persisted and even worsened, he embarked on a journey of ex...

Marsha M. Linehan: DBT

  Marsha M. Linehan's contribution to the field of psychology is revolutionary. As the founder of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), she has transformed the landscape of mental health treatment. Linehan's DBT approach combines cognitive behavioral therapy with acceptance and mindfulness techniques, offering effective treatment for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), suicidal tendencies, and other complex mental health conditions. Her pioneering work has not only provided hope and healing to countless individuals but has also revolutionized the way mental health professionals approach and treat challenging psychological issues. Through her research, clinical work, and advocacy, Linehan has left an indelible mark on the field of psychology, improving the lives of patients and inspiring practitioners worldwide. Her journey is a profound testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of personal struggle. Her life story, marked b...

Mindfulness and Dialectical Behavior Therapy

  Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), pioneered by Marsha Linehan, has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment for individuals battling borderline personality disorder (BPD) and a spectrum of related conditions. Linehan's innovative approach to therapy addresses the profound challenges faced by those with BPD, particularly in managing intense emotional responses and regulating behavior. Central to DBT is the recognition of emotion dysregulation as a core issue, contributing to a cascade of difficulties including impulsive behavior, mood swings, and self-destructive tendencies. Linehan's insights into the inability of individuals with BPD to self-soothe and control their emotions shed light on the complex interplay between emotional dysregulation and cognitive inflexibility. Moreover, DBT's efficacy extends beyond BPD, with research showcasing its effectiveness in treating depression, schizophrenia, PTSD, addiction, and eating disorders. By targeting emotion dysregulation and ...

Navigating Borderline Personality Disorder: A Journey of Mindfulness and Healing

  Case Study on BPD This is a story  about Lakshya, who has been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). She's 23 years old and faces a lot of ups and downs in her emotions. Sometimes, she feels really low, and other times, she struggles with addiction. Despite facing many challenges, Lakshya's journey shows us how mindfulness helps her heal and discover herself better. Lakshya's diagnosis was confirmed based on the DSM-V criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), which requires individuals to exhibit at least five symptoms from a specified list. Her mother was interviewed to provide further insight into Lakshya's symptoms, which aligned with the diagnostic criteria for BPD. Lakshya's case history revealed her admission to the hospital following a suicide attempt, triggered by the recent breakup with her partner. She exhibited intense mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and engaged in impulsive behaviors such as excessive drinking and smok...