Flexibility of the Mind ??♂???

Practicing yoga has taught me something important: flexibility isn't just for the body; it’s for the mind too.

Flexibility means adapting to new conditions. Just like physical flexibility lets athletes move in different ways or helps us tie our shoelaces easily, mental flexibility helps us grow and adapt.

Why Mind Flexibility Matters

?? ?? ?????????? ????? ???????????? ? ?????? ?????????? ???????? ????????? ??????? ?

mana eva manu?yā?ā? kāra?a? bandhamok?ayo? ? bandhāya vi?ayāsakta? muktyai nirvi?aya? sm?tam ?

The mind shapes our reality. Bondage or liberation are in your own mind. If you feel bound, you are bound. If you feel liberated, you are liberated. Things outside neither bind nor liberate you; only your attitude toward them does that.

Where do we see it

1?? In the Kitchen: Say, You are a chef, and your friend told you that there is a faster and better way to cook potato. Now the immediate thought could be that, I am the chef I know better. But if you have flexible mind, you would listen to your friend’s idea, you will try it and if you find it useful you will continue to use it. ??

2?? Life on the Move: Due to the nature of your work, you may need to keep moving to new places. While it can be tedious, you have two choices: feel frustrated or embrace the change. By accepting it, you open yourself up to learning, exploring new places, and experiencing fresh ideas. ???

3?? At Work: IT professionals constantly look for ways to automate processes and save time on manual tasks. This boosts their productivity, allowing them to focus on other projects or enjoy activities like hitting the gym or playing sports. ?????

Having a rigid mindset shows when you believe your ideas, methods, or practices are the best and expect everyone to follow them. e.g.

• Refusing to try new approaches, like a chef stuck on their recipe. ??
• Insisting your child study or learn the way you did, ignoring better methods. ??
• Thinking your diet, yoga practice, or lifestyle is superior. ??♂?
• Judging others' choices, like how they dress, worship, or set goals. ??

Such rigidity limits growth and understanding. Flexibility opens doors to new perspectives and possibilities! ?

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Why Rigid Thinking Blocks Growth

When you don’t leave room for change, you stop progressing. Mental flexibility requires setting ego aside and appreciating others' approaches.

Imagine this: you’re a working woman, and you and your mother-in-law have very different ways of cooking veggies. ?? Every time she cooks, the taste is great, but her method? Not your style.

Now, you’ve got two options: 1?? Take over the kitchen full-time (spoiler: not practical with your busy schedule). 2?? Appreciate her efforts and accept that everyone has their own unique way of doing things.

Let’s be real—if someone tried to force you to change your work style, you wouldn’t be thrilled, right? The same goes for your MIL. And honestly, in a house with five people, is it even possible to meet everyone’s expectations? You’d need superpowers for that! ??♀?

So, why not let go, enjoy the food, and embrace the variety? Life’s tastier that way! ??

Final Thought

A fixed mindset isn’t just about cooking—it can apply to any area of life. For example, you might believe people should save a specific amount for a secure retirement. But someone else might prioritize exploring the world before retiring because that brings them joy. Neither approach is wrong; each person finds happiness in their own way.

I often hear people say, "This mantra is the best; you must chant it." But not everyone connects with the same beliefs or seeks the same things in life. Some may pursue wealth, while others crave knowledge. There’s no right or wrong—just different paths. We all have the freedom to chase what fulfills us, and there’s always something we can learn from one another. ??

Understanding that is Flexibility.

Stay flexible, stay curious! ?

Preevi, Yoga Practitioner ??♀?