Today’s Yama is Brahmacharya, or control of the senses. I believe this one is HUGE in today’s world. From the youngest ages, our senses are bombarded with input, both good and bad. On a basic level, we control some of this input for children & ourselves with parental control on devices. We chose to block certain channels on the tv, certain e-mails, and things like that. But do we have enough control?
What junk is coming into your mind? Have you ever been watching a tv show, and thinking “this is really bad”, but you’re still sitting there, mindlessly watching. It could be that the show doesn’t align with your values, but it could also just be poorly done. And yet, we sit there, just staring at the screen. Or, a commercial comes on that’s just not what you want to see. This is the time of non-stop political ads, and the candidates are hoping their message will get through to you. Is it?
I know I’ve talked about this before, but my husband & I removed the television set from our home over a year ago. He still watches his sports, by going to watch with a friend or relative. But we don’t have it at home. We love the peace it has brought to our surroundings. We now have ultimate control over what we watch and listen to. We could use netflicks, or some other service on the laptop, but we don’t even do that. It’s a conscious choice when we watch, and what we watch.
Who are you 'following' on twitter, facebook & other social media. Does what they say align with who you are & who you want to be? What about at work? Do you listen to the gossip and negativity, or do you exercise your right to walk away?
Brahmacharya can help provide mental clarity, and a more balanced mind, body & spirit. I’d like to challenge you today to try going one evening without the tv, or other devices. Just notice. Be aware of how controlling the senses changes things for you.
For more on the Yamas, see Ahimsa, Satya, and Asteya
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