The Power of Bhavana: Yoga’s Path to Manifestation and Self-Transformation
What is Bhavana?
I want you to wonder for a moment what would be possible if you knew could access the best answers to the way forward in any given moment. Imagine having deeper trust in yourself and trust in the flow of creative intelligence. Groovy concept, right? You could even call it a dream?
No coincidence then the word for dream in Sanskrit is Bhavana. It could also be translated as ‘attitude’ and ‘the ability to call something (anything), into existence because of yogic contemplation and visioning.
But as this is Sanskrit there’s more scope in the translation than even that. I’ve also heard it being defined as “having the ability to see yourself in a positive way.”
Overcoming Barriers: Making Bhavana Relatable
Now, it’s also understandable that a lot of people get confused and even switch off when they are presented with principles and ideas that are less than concrete. We’ve been trained by society for deliverables, quick-wins and bite-sized solutions. We don’t have time to contemplate or be ‘educated’. (Even a yoga teacher told me that this week)! Cripes!
But yogic contemplation and visioning are powerful tools for transformation. This is not mystical or far out and shouldn’t be reserved for a particular subculture.
The principles of Bhavana are applicable to anyone seeking personal growth, self-improvement, and success in various areas of life (as is so much of this ancient tradition).
Let’s talk openly and see what’s possible. Bhavana isn’t about following rules, it’s more about using your mind and emotions to create positive change.
The Practical Benefits of Bhavana
For those of you who are curious but don’t have time to go deeper just now – you can scan to bullet points for working with this principle. Maybe come back later to contemplate the ‘beef on the bones’ – or maybe even start joining us for dedicated practice where we explore these concepts regularly.
Because Incorporating contemplation and visioning into your daily routine or yoga practice can stack up both practically and positively.
Here’s how.
- Increased clarity
- Enhanced creativity
- Improved focus
- Cultivation of emotional balance.
The benefits of Bhavana range from personal decisions to career crossroads. It helps to tap into intuition, creativity and align with desires. The practice enhances the connection with inner self and the idea of divinity. Bhavana permeates every aspect of life.
Practical Tips for Success
Here are a few practical tips on how to integrate Bhavana into your daily routine:
Morning Contemplation: Begin your day with a few moments of stillness and reflection. Set an intention for the day ahead and visualise yourself embodying the qualities and attributes that align with your aspirations. Engage your senses and emotions to amplify the power of your vision.
Mindful Activities: Infuse Bhavana into your everyday tasks and activities. Whether you’re cooking, cleaning, or working, bring your awareness to the present moment. Instead of rushing through the motions, engage your senses fully and appreciate the beauty and significance of each action.
Journaling Practice: Take a few minutes each day to write down your thoughts, dreams, and aspirations. Allow yourself to explore different possibilities and visions for your life. Write with a sense of openness and curiosity, allowing the flow of inspiration to guide your words.
Nature Connection: Spend time in nature and let it be a source of inspiration for your contemplation. Engage in mindful walks, observing the beauty around you. As you connect with the natural world, allow yourself to receive insights and guidance from the deep wisdom inherent in nature.
Evening Reflection: Before bed, take a few moments to reflect on your day. Review the experiences, interactions, and lessons learned. Offer gratitude for the opportunities presented to you and contemplate how you can further align with your vision and intentions moving forward.
Consistent yoga practice benefits with open mind. Bhavana empowers goals, relationships, well-being, and potential. Trust the process, receive guidance, and follow intuition.
And if you like this and want more of where this is coming from, join us in person at our studio, or Live online. Or access our ‘on-demand’ videos for anytime, anywhere on the go practice.