Positive Energy Never Lies - The Quantum Physics of Yoga Energy

Yoga and meditation has worked with energy in and around the body for a couple of thousand years. Only recently modern science is catching up.

For those of us who are more analytical or scientifically minded, the idea of Yoga Energy might sound a bit ‘fluffy’ or esoteric. It might be easier to believe the scientific process of photosynthesis in plants. (Water, sunlight and nutrients from the soil translate into enough energy for the plants to grow.) Likewise, human energy comes from the food we eat, which we digest and mix with enzymes, breaking it down into carbohydrates and glucose, creating energy for our body.

From the modern perspective of Quantum Physics, everything in the universe is made up of energy and mass. And mass and energy are interchangeable. This means our bodies are considered to be physical manifestation of energy; simply energy stored in mass particle form. This energy in our body is electrical (impulses) and chemical (reactions). In physics, energy is the capacity for doing work and exists in the form of potential energy, kinetic (movement), thermal (heat) and electrical (impulse) energy.

In yoga, we work with all those energies too. In yoga and Ayurveda, the Sanskrit word for energy is 'prana' or 'vayu'. Vayu is translated as 'forward moving air' or 'wind'. The ancient yogis worked with 49 energetic forces which control bodily functions and activities. One of the objectives of yoga asana (postures) practice is to transform this energy and create homeostasis for optimum health & wellbeing.

In yoga, we work with physical energy, which relates to the quantity of our energy which we practice through asana (postures) and pranayama (breath work). Mental energy is how we focus our energy, spiritual energy translates to the force of our energy, and emotional energy relates to the quality of our energy.

If we look at our emotional energy through the eyes of modern psychology, our emotional energy could be seen as a combination of our past, our current mindset, our perceptions, thoughts and the way we see the world.

This could translate into someone who has a positive outlook or a negative outlook. Or positive emotional energy / negative emotional energy. Often, we will subconsciously recognize a positively energized person because they make us feel relaxed, at ease and happy when we are around them. In yoga, we're big on the concept of positive emotional energy - :)

Over and above the types of energy mentioned above, yogis also work with spiritual energy or ‘soul energy’. Recently, Quantum physics and other branches of science have begun to look more closely at the idea of the Soul. The elusive concept of Soul has been discussed and debated for decades, but science can't yet really explain what Soul is. It has been described as “a body of unknown energy coupled to the human body by means of a mutual interaction.”

Soul energy in yoga is sometimes called Spirit Energy, Consciousness, our vitality or expression. It is the most subtle, deepest form of energy, and not always easy to discern. Our practice aims to uncover our soul energy, become conscious.

Soul or Spirit energy or Spirituality is defined as an awakening within a person. It is when someone becomes aware of the mind-body connection and becomes one with their body, mind and soul. At that stage, we attain a quality called ‘peace of mind’. If we are spiritually awakened and have achieved this peace of mind, we are not easily thrown, nor easily pushed or pulled by extreme emotions. We become more emotionally resilient and find it easier to remain ‘unruffled’.

This translates into being a fairly balanced and calm person despite what is happening around us. This state of spiritual energy can be very relaxing. It creates ease in our life, and we may feel a sense of "things clicking into place". When we attain the highest state of this peaceful energy, in yoga we call this Samadhi: a state of Bliss.

Samadhi is the ultimate goal of yoga practice.

How can we tap into our potential energy, awaken our spiritual energy or obtain Samadhi?

Our mind is the most powerful tool at our disposal, and we can harness our thoughts to shape who we are. Our thoughts influence who we are and who we become. Our thoughts influence our sense of well-being and our emotional state. We are what we think.

Every person’s spiritual journey is personal, so what works for one, may not work for another. But whichever route we take, the first step is to become aware of our mind-body and our energy. To become aware of our mind-body, our thinking, our habits. This is a skill or practice that takes some time to master.

In yoga we start with our breath. We recognize that we can control our energy (prana) in the way we use our breath. We also practice setting clear intentions and frequently re-examining our beliefs.

Setting an intention is a mental or emotional representation of energy. Our thoughts create energy too. And examining our own limiting beliefs and letting go of old patterns is an important part of awakening. Our beliefs, mental framework and world views influence how we perceive the world and often limit or prevent growth, change or spiritual experiences.

In yoga practice we often reflect on the question of our beliefs, emotions or energy and we are encouraged to ask ourselves whether the story we tell ourselves holds us back or serves us positively. Our decisions, our thoughts, our habits: are they. based on fear or are they based on love?

Metta

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