This is part 3 of a series on the broader aspects of yoga.

In the mad race for purchasing power, prestige, popularity and pleasure – - what drives people? Mostly, people pretty much just want to feel good. People tend to look to outside influences for reinforcement, entertainment, and the latest, next “it” thing. Lately, it seems that “out there” isn’t offering so many opportunities to feel good as it once did. The odds “out there” are beginning to appear stacked against many Americans who are looking to grasp the brass ring of the good life.

So, what are the scrappily-optimistic, out-of-the-box thinkers, you know the ones – - courageous, spunky, top-of-the-heapers – - what are they doing these days? It’s safe to assume that they are doing what they’ve always been doing: working the odds. You may very well find them checking out Metaphysics, the science of experiencing life from “in here” rather than from “out there.” After all, life is what you make of it. How else to experience life, other than with the mind?

But, Metaphysics is more than random, quirky opinions about one’s life. It is the science of refining, clarifying and strengthening the mind. Yoga movements (asanas) and breath work (pranayama) are traditional tools that soothe, quiet and calm the body. These practices prepare the body to harmonize with (not distract from) a clear, calm, serene mind. Yoga postures and breathing can draw practitioners to the door of advanced mental development. Regular meditation can bring practitioners through the door to the direct experience of the “spirit’ part of the mind-body-spirit that we are.

And that offers a whole, new perspective on life, one from “in here.” One you understand this perspective, it’s: “we’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto!” and: “ooh! I coulda had a V8 !” all rolled into one. From the perspective of Spirit, life here on Earth is a virtual video game. Play a game, live a life. No matter what happens to your character in the game, when it’s over, you walk (float?) away. Perhaps you enjoyed the experience, perhaps you didn’t – - whatever, it’s over and you move on to something else.

Some people who study Metaphysics and meditate regularly, directly experience their Spirit during everyday life. They come to understand and to use a set of scientific, consistent rules – - which influences life for the better. Regardless of how things are looking “out there” in the physical world, metaphysicians understand the subtle Code “in here” that generates the ins and outs of their own personal life. People who meditate a lot and who study Metaphysics tend to be secure, serene people, and that is why.

Practicing yoga is practical because it sharpens your mind as well as improving your body. Yoga, meditation and the study of Metaphysics help people become better equipped to live a better life, regardless of their outer circumstances.

Next week: levels of the mind

Related posts:

1. The Broader Aspects Of Yoga
2. The Happy Space Cadet: Tales From The Final Frontier
3. Yoga Summer Dog Days
4. The Happy Space Cadet: Tales from The Final Frontier
5. Care Less About What Others Think.