How Breathing, Yoga and Positive Thinking Can Increase Intelligence
First let’s define what it means to be smart.
There currently isn’t a universal way to measure intelligence. Some people use the standard benchmarks, for example, test scores and grade point averages to determine intelligence; however, such variables have proven inconsistent and biased. High scores can mainly be a result of studying for hours and hours. In our current educational system, these tests are sometimes a better indicator of a capacity to remember versus understand.
Although there seem to be several controversies in the field of measuring intelligence–some individuals take test scores as evidence that a person is “smart,” while others prefer to look at problem solving abilities–nearly everyone accepts that a well-developed brain promotes intelligence. But in the field of alternative therapy, where humans are studied from the perspective of their energy field and the chakras, intelligence has a clear indication which is actually measurable.
The human body is basically made up of two parts: the visible physical body and the invisible physical body, also known as the energy body or aura. In the energy body there exist energy channels and energy centers, called the chakras. Chakras are like power plants that are responsible for the proper functioning of different organs in the body. Every chakra is basically in charge of regulating and controlling certain vital internal organs.
The upper chakras, in this case including the Ajna (third eye); forehead; crown and back head, energize the whole head including the pituitary and pineal glands, and the brain. This means that in order for the brain to work at an optimal level, the upper chakras should be strong and activated.
Chakras also have psychological functions. The throat and third eye chakras, in this case, are believed to be the focal points for detailed thinking, abstract thinking and creativity. This implies that the healthier and stronger the human chakras, particularly the upper ones, the more intelligent the individual.
Here are four simple practices which can actually increase your intelligence:
- Combine Physical and Breathing Exercise
Body and mind are somehow connected to one another. Therefore, to have a sharp and intelligent mind, we need to have a healthy physical body. Regular physical exercises not only detoxifies the body from used up energies, toxins and waste materials, but it also helps to increase the blood and energy circulation. The effect is a healthier and stronger physical body.
Breathing exercises in yogic systems are known as pranayama, meaning extension of breath or life. These exercises refer to various rhythmic breathing techniques that are normally practiced as a part of one’s spiritual practice. In such techniques, abdominal versus chest breathing is often used, as it has cleansing and purifying effects on the chakras. This includes the solar plexus chakra. It also increases the energy levels in the body.
Breathing exercises in this case, because of their specific rhythmic pattern, help in relieving stress and calming emotions. The effect is more clarity, sharpness and awareness. Increased energy circulation in the body also improves the energy levels of the brain, therefore improving its various functions.
- Meditate
Meditation in general helps to calm emotions and clear thoughts. It increases both the clarity and sharpness of the mind. Based on research done using GDV and Kirlian cameras, meditation has been proven as an effective habit for cleansing the energy body and balancing the chakras.
Meditation is a very powerful technique that can flush out the clouds of unfavorable thoughts and emotions by bringing down tremendous amounts of divine energy to the system. It further activates the human energy centers, including the heart and the crown chakra, and in return improves both intuition and intellect. Meditation can create positive effects on the brain and nervous system by improving memory, focus and clarity.
- Think Positive
The more positive, blissful and happy we are, the more sharp and alert we become. Positive feelings nourish the soul. Negative emotions and thoughts clog the aura and contaminate our chakras, which in return clouds our perception and distracts our attention. Positive thoughts and emotions create a soothing and calming effect on the mind and body.
Have you noticed that whenever we are positive, our minds get clearer and our attention gets focused? We even become more productive. In order to think clearly and become smarter, it is very important to regulate emotions and think positive thoughts.
- Build Stronger Chakras
Certain chakras are basically gateways to greater levels of intelligence and intuition. When these chakras are activated and made stronger, our intelligence levels increase. The upper chakras that control and energize the brain have a direct influence on the brains ability to function.
There are many techniques, meditations and healing systems that can help us to achieve bigger and stronger chakras, including Pranic Healing, Reiki, Qigong and yoga. Such systems introduce simple yet very effective techniques for cleansing, energizing and strengthening the human chakras.
Consciously practicing these tips will improve functionality and intelligence.
About the Author
6 Ways to Become Fully Present With Suffering
Life is about learning balance and how we interact with the world around us. It is a constant learning experience, to which we will become familiar with all of the emotions that a human being has, some of which are more pleasant than others.
Suffering on Earth is derived from the collective emotion held within humanity, which is why it is so important to learn to heal yourself first to help heal the planet.
As many great teachers of the past and present have taught us, often times it is not the experience itself that is the problem, it is how our human conditioning has taught us how to react. We’ve all experienced suffering in various ways.
Though it is uncomfortable and ugly, it is also very important to love each part of ourselves as human beings; to do that we have to understand the full spectrum of the human experience…the yin and the yang, the light and the dark. They co-exist together for a reason.
Aim to Be Like a Child
If you have children or have been around a small child, you will know that their experience of life is very different than yours. Their reactions are very in the moment. When they are upset, uncomfortable, or hungry they cry. There is no holding back, and no misunderstanding how they truly feel.
As we get older we learn what is considered an “acceptable” way to act in society. We learn that we can’t just have a meltdown anywhere when we are feeling upset. There are very specific circumstances that allow us to cry or feel angry, and some of us even go as far as to completely shut down our ability to feel our true emotions. I call this being “emotionally constipated!”
Babies’ ability to feel fully in the moment is a gift, because once they fully feel it, they release it instantaneously. There is no need to relive the experience later. It often takes very little to distract them with a new idea and change their emotion quickly. As we get older it is important to remember that innate wisdom within our bodies, because they react in direct correlation with the information we give them.
Fully Experience Your Emotions in the Moment
When your life is turned upside down and emotions are all over the place, take yourself into the moment and simply feel whatever disturbance is going on without resisting it. Take a chance and look silly in public if you need to.
When you can fully experience your emotions in the moment{.inline-media .inline-video} and let them wash over you, that turmoil will not collect in your body in a negative way. It is only when you deny and resist it that it collects and becomes unhealthy.
When you begin to feel imbalance in your life, the most effective way to take care of yourself is to honor where you are without judging the experience. Don’t compare yourself to others, because you are a unique individual!
Your experience is your experience, and there is no right or wrong or normal and abnormal. You are creating your body and life experience every day, and it’s unlike anyone else’s body or life experience.
6 Ways to Be Present with Suffering
Here are some steps you can take in a moment of distress and suffering to relieve yourself:
1. Stop whatever you are doing, and go inward. Listen to your body and become fully present.
Don’t try to change the way you feel in this moment. Instead, feel it for what it is without resisting it.
Say in your mind, “I honor this feeling of ______, even though it makes me uncomfortable or scared in this moment.”
Focus on the sensation, and surround yourself in a beautiful picture that feels comfortable, loving, and safe to you. I like to picture myself in a field of flowers with a soft breeze blowing through me, washing away anything that no longer serves my highest good.
2. Let the emotions fly
Let yourself go! Experience the anger, frustration, sadness, joy, excitement, fear, surprise, disgust, disapproval, remorse, and all the in-betweens. The goal is to express it.
However, it is also important to remember to make sure you are not putting anyone in danger while you are doing this. Whatever you are feeling in this moment is perfect; there is nothing wrong with it!
3. Trust any messages that come through your body as divine guidance
You might notice some sensations, ideas, or thoughts through your body as you become fully present in your experience.
When we become still, we are more receptive to receiving divine guidance from our higher selves.
Trust this loving guidance, or simply soak in this beautiful light that is holding you. We all have access to it when we call upon it.
4. Stay Present
Stay with the feeling until you feel it has fully washed over you and can be released. Take your time and don’t be tempted to rush through it.
Remember your well-being is the most important thing right now. You cannot be present with others until you are fully present with yourself.
5. Wait for Release
Just like with a baby, sometimes it takes five minutes, and sometimes two hours before we reach a point of release, but it eventually always comes.
Most of us force ourselves to get up and “shake it off” before we’re really ready. All that leftover emotion builds up and is stored within the body, despite our belief that it is gone once we choose to think it’s gone. Once the release happens, the weight falls off and you can now resume your day with your full presence.
6. Remember That You’re Not Alone
When you’re feeling suffering of any kind in life (and there are many!), remember you’re not alone. Remember to claim your strength and ask for help when you need it. You can’t do it all on your own.
