Studies have found that reaction is instinctive. It emanates from the oldest layers of the brain- reptilian and limbic. These regions of the brain are designed to protect us and ensure survival. This is the reason that in face of challenges and threats, these areas of the brain trigger instant reactions even before the conscious mind intervenes. These are neural reflexes which are automatic and fast. Yoga terms this tendency as born of Tamas and Rajas which are primarily inertia and agitation. Such tendencies are impulsive and full of emotional storms.

 

Due to such tendencies, the reactive mind becomes like a lake whose water is stirred by even a gentle gust of the wind. Hence no reflection is possible in this case because there is no mental and emotional awareness. Such a mind always works in a mechanical manner, emotionally enslaved by external conditions. According to neuroscience, when the amygdala, the part of limbic system detects any threat or danger, it hijacks the prefrontal cortex which is the seat of higher reasoning and self regulation.

 

This is called the amygdala hijack. The emotional brain overrides the rational brain. The body is flooded with stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. The entire behavior becomes reactive and jerky. Yoga teaches the science of pause. This pause is the conscious gap between the stimulus and the response. This pause is not natural, but cultivated. The constant Yogic Sadhana with conscious efforts awaken the mind towards self awareness. The reflexive and impulsive neurons organise themselves and make the behavior coherent and logical.

 

This is the state where neuroplasticity unfolds and the mind rewires for stillness rather than reaction. Asanas make the body stable, Pranayamas channelise the energy of the body and meditation calms down the nervous systems. Breath awareness brings a shift from sympathetic to parasympathetic mode of the nervous system. The mind becomes balanced and harmonious. This is not the suppression of emotions, but their regulation. The entire psychophysical mechanism transforms through deep awareness.

 

These Yogic practices deepen pause. Emotional reactivity decreases and clarity with self control takes the steering wheel of the mind. The regular practices of Yoga reshapes the mind and creates new neural connections in the brain. Thus, the journey from instinct to insight unfolds and one becomes a witness in the tumultuous game of life. This is called the Sakshi Bhava.

 

The concepts of meta awareness and executive control actually echo the ancient Yogic wisdom. The mind goes from reflex to reflection and it starts to ascend from the lower brain to the higher one. Actually, reaction is biological and natural, but the pause is conscious and voluntary. It is the sacred gap between the two moments of behavior. This gap is the essence of Yogic philosophy .

 

The mind becomes still and we respond with awareness. The entire science of Emotional Intelligence is based upon this concept. After becoming self aware, delaying the impulsive behavior is the core of the training of Emotional Intelligence. As a result of this trained awareness, the rational mind becomes stronger and is not tossed by the upsurge of emotional outbursts. (The writer is Former DG Police & CG, Homeguards, Maharashtra) ■