Do or do not, there is no try
Instincts.
Instincts, Intellect, Intuition — are the three cornerstones of any achievement. Compared to other animals — our physical attributes are pathetic; yet we are apex predators because of our highly evolved brain.
Instincts are a pre-programmed response to external environment.
A normal human runs away from fire.
A fireman runs into the fire.
The difference? Training.
Training your Instincts have the following effects on you-
1. High self-esteem: You become a master of your surroundings, and that brings with it increased confidence.
2. Enhanced perception: You become capable of noting the subtlest changes in your environment, or in other people.
3. Increased longevity: You completely annihilate stress — the number 1 cause behind aging and diseases. You can maintain stone-cold composure even in dangerous situations.
4. Greater control over emotions: The SEALs use these principles to maintain composure in the midst of a battlefield.
When your hand touches a burning-hot object, what do you do?
a) Pull it away ASAP. Or,
b) think ‘This object is hot. My hand hurts. I must try to remove the hand and avoid further injury’
If you answered a), ever wonder why you didn’t have to think? Your body immediately registered a situation and performed an action; all without you having to think about it. Time is precious, especially more-so in dangerous situations — your brain is TOO SLOW.
The brain has primarily three parts — Cerebrum, Cerebellum and Brainstem (I’ll cover the brain in more detail in a later post)
The Cerebrum is also called the Neocortex. The Cerebellum and Brainstem are called Subcortical structures, which are evolutionarily more ancient than the Cerebrum.
1. The Cerebrum consists of two hemispheres responsible for higher cognitive functions.
2. The Cerebellum is the ‘hind brain’ which is responsible for movement and coordination. It also processes input from the other parts of body for smooth muscular activity.
3. The Brainstem connects the Cerebrum with Spinal cord. It is responsible for autonomous actions like breathing, heart rate etc.
To train Instincts — focus on the Subcortical structures — Cerebellum, Brainstem and Spinal Cord. These areas control the autonomic and (wild) side of humanity. Mastery of these areas of the brain will give you the sharp senses and agility of a wild beast.
Instincts can also be mastered by training the Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Nervous system.
Our body contains two automatic modes of behaviour — Throughout the day, our body keeps cycling between Fight/Flight and Rest/Digest. Heavy stress can lead to the dominance of Fight/Flight instinct — which induces the body to be alert. Conversely, the dominance of Rest/Digest instinct leads to issues like Depression.
But how do we train such subtle aspects of the body? There are primarily 2 methods of training –
1. Breathing consciously– Controlling the breath gives control over the mind. Our breathing becomes short and rapid when we are angry/surprised. Conversely, our breathing becomes long and deep when we are relaxed. Meditating on the inward movement, and outward movement of the breath is Anpanasati. Controlling breathing is a major component of Pranayama and Kriya Yoga.
2. Posture and Movement- Mimicking animal movement, and holding the body in specific postures trains — bones, muscles, tissues, and organs; and strengthens internal autonomic processes– blood circulation, and breathing capacity. Asanas, Qigong, Combat Sports, and Dancing train your posture and movement.
Our breath is a function which happens either autonomously or consciously depending on the practitioner. The entire philosophy of Buddhism is built around the practice of watching the breath. Breath training is now catching up to ancient esoteric sciences. Athletes are now incorporating practices used by ancient Yogis, Monks and Ninjas.
These practices helped me in my journey towards conquering my bodily instincts. I would also like to share why they’re effective:
1. Journalling: Journalling trained my awareness — I could view my life as a third person, this gives perspective; I can zoom into situations or zoom out to see the big picture. Feedback is instantaneous and critical.
2. Asana: Asana is one of the 8 aspects of Yoga; the aspect which deals with postures. Asana mimics structures found in nature — these postures allow strengthening your body and preparing it for higher forms of meditation. The internal organs are massaged and strengthened, and a sense of equilibrium is established. The body becomes flexible, the muscles are toned and one feels greater awareness and control over his body. Accomplished masters can meditate for months and years, sitting in the same position. (Samadhi will be touched upon in a later article)
3. Pranayama: Pranayama involves controlling the breath — and gradually over the entire body processes. The breath contains prana/chi/ki and pranayama ‘translates to controlling the ‘Prana’
These practices are crucial to Kriya Yoga and vital if you want to increase your lifespan. Greatly strengthens the immune system. Accomplished masters have such control over their Prana, that they can walk around in snow-capped Himalayan mountains wearing rags.
4. Yoga Nidra: Andrew Huberman fans know this as ‘Non-sleep deep-rest’ or NSDR. This state enhances your ‘Rest and Digest’ functions, but as with other practices on this list- the benefits roll out into every aspect of life. It functions as a power nap and recharges the body for other endeavours.
5. Vipassana: This Buddhist practice too, focuses on watching the breath and the Self. It is an excellent way of stopping yourself from getting carried away by emotions, especially in intense situations. I working on keeping my breath steady while going on with my daily activities. If you know, you know.
These activities will definitely turn you into a superhuman, should you practice them correctly. Having a Master greatly quickens the path to progress. Or else, you can always journal. That’s how I did it.
These practices, done over time compound into creating a vibrant and healthy body. The body is relaxed, and so is your demeanour. True confidence shines through, not a manufactured identity. The radiance can be witnessed by others, so prepare yourself for suddenly looking ‘hotter’ or ‘sexier’ or just more ‘attractive’
(images sourced from the Internet)