1/22/01 – lecture from Yogi HariNam Baba Prem

 In yoga philosophy and Ayurveda, it is believed that cells carry with them memories and emotions just as the mind does.  When experiences in life are not dealt with, whether it is because a person chooses not to deal with them or if a person just cannot deal with them, and emotions are pushed down and repressed, these emotions will remain in the cells of the body.  Over a period of time this causes the formation of crystals between and around the cells.  The outside of the cell contains two different types of Agni.  Most people only hear or read about a few meanings of Agni (usually as the digestive fire) but there are thousands of different forms of Agni.

 Medical science knows of these crystals in certain forms such as calcium crystals or when someone suffers from Gout.  When a person has Gout, one of the first things a Doctor will ask is if they have had any injuries anytime during their life in the area that is afflicted.  This indicates that the crystals are often formed in areas of the body that have sustained injuries which further indicates that  the emotions and experience of that injury are still present in the body on the cellular level.  Gout typically occurs in the big toe but can manifest in any of the joints of the body.

 If you practice yoga, it is inevitable that at some point certain emotions and feelings will rise up.  The people who deal with them as they surface are usually the people who stay and become yoga students and the people who continue to ignore and repress the emotions usually end up punting.

 When we practice certain yoga postures which are designed to help in breaking up the crystals, the emotions and issues will rise to the surface.  This is an opportunity to deal with them and release them.  If the emotions are not dealt with the crystals will eventually form again.

 When emotions or issues do arise during yoga practice this is a wonderful opportunity because you are able to deal with them and make peace.  It is very important not to judge yourself or the emotions but to look at the situation objectively in order to be able to know how to deal with them so that they cannot affect you anymore.

 Yoga postures that might help in breaking up the crystals:

 Forward bend

Left leg straight and a little to the side, right foot rests on left thigh, reach for left foot, keep hands equal on foot, then reverse, Right leg straight, left foot on right thigh…etc.

Open and close fists rapidly. (This helps to break up calcium crystals in the joints of the hands)

Ankle rotations. (This helps to break up calcium crystals in the joints of the ankles)

 

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