The science of life-force, or prana in Sanskrit, is a key component of many spiritual and holistic practices, including yoga, Ayurveda, and Chinese medicine. It is the vital energy that flows through all living beings and is essential for health, vitality, and well-being.

We will evaluate the following aspects of activating life-force in a 4 part series of this blog in an effort to define the principals that guide the yogi on this path.

Discriminating Intellect

Master of Your Mind

Ocean of Consciousness

The Body Principle

PART 1:

DEVELOPING A DISCRIMINATING INTELLECT.

From a holistic and spiritual wellness perspective developing a discriminating intellect is an essential aspect of personal growth and wellbeing. The discriminating intellect is the faculty of the mind that allows us to distinguish between truth and falsehood, right and wrong, and beneficial and harmful. It enables us to make informed decisions and act with clarity, discernment, and wisdom.

In today's world, we are bombarded with a vast amount of information from various sources, including social media, news, and advertising. It can be overwhelming to navigate through this sea of data and make sense of what is relevant, accurate, and useful. Developing a discriminating intellect can help us filter out the noise, access reliable information, and make conscious choices that align with our values and aspirations.  Developing an ability to focus and identify the signal from the noise will become a superpower.

The practice of mindfulness allows us to cultivate a discriminating intellect.  Mindfulness, the art of paying attention to the present moment without judgment.

Mindfulness allows us to observe our thoughts, feelings, and sensations with a curious and non-reactive attitude, which can enhance our self-awareness and self-regulation. By being more aware of our mental and emotional patterns, we can recognize the biases, assumptions, and beliefs that influence our perception and behavior. This awareness can help us challenge our limiting beliefs, expand our perspectives, and develop more flexible and adaptive thinking.

Another way to develop a discriminating intellect is to engage in critical thinking, which is the process of analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information to form reasoned judgments and conclusions. Critical thinking involves asking questions, gathering evidence, considering alternative perspectives, and making logical connections between ideas. It can help us avoid cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, which is the tendency to seek and interpret information that confirms our existing beliefs, and anchoring bias, which is the tendency to rely too heavily on the first piece of information encountered. By using critical thinking, we can develop a more objective and evidence-based understanding of the world and make more informed decisions.

In addition to mindfulness and critical thinking, developing a discriminating intellect also requires cultivating virtues such as humility, open-mindedness, and compassion. Humility allows us to acknowledge our limitations and learn from others' perspectives and experiences. Open-mindedness allows us to consider ideas that challenge our assumptions and beliefs without being defensive or dismissive. Compassion allows us to empathize with others' suffering and recognize our interconnectedness, which can enhance our moral reasoning and ethical decision-making.

Developing a discriminating intellect is an ongoing process that requires intentional practice and cultivation. By integrating mindfulness, critical thinking, and virtues such as humility, open-mindedness, and compassion, we can enhance our intellectual and spiritual growth, deepen our understanding of ourselves and others, and live more connected and purpose-driven lives.