MENTAL WORK, LIBERATION, AND OXYGENATION:

In Ayurveda, oxygen is called ‘PRAN VATA’ and means essential life force. In environments like offices, colleges, and any other places where strong mental work is required, the body is too frequently bent over a desk (i.e. using a computer) in such a manner that restricts the action of the lungs. In such environments, attention should be given to exercise and, especially, to deep breathing so the blood may carry off waste that is liberated by brain activity. In mental work, the brain calls for surplus energy from the nerves and in muscular work, the tissues require the surplus energy. Extreme mental work expresses itself in body fatigue until the oxygen meets the demand in all parts of the body. A lack of oxygen can produce a “tired” state of body, and until the necessary amount has been supplied, the brain and body will not be balanced or “rested.” In order to continue strong mental work, we must often go out into the open air to ‘to rest our brain’ and re-supply the oxygen required to remain efficient in our work. If I were a CEO, I would make it compulsory for all employees to practice the breathing exercise of ‘PRANAYAMA’ or to go out and breathe fresh air every hour.

These principles also apply to our children. Young children’s blood circulates freely, their breathing is unrestricted, the waste of the system is fully burned up, and potential energy is released. Naturally, this results in children’s inherent need to be active. The effort of parents and teachers with children should not be to restrain them but, rather, to direct their activities in useful and effective outdoor games and healthy employment of their energies. Unfortunately, our children nowadays, hardly play outside and, instead, are more often inside with cell phones, computer games, and other electronics. This results in a lack of oxygen present within their bodies, an unequal oxygen supply to the body’s demand, and an uneven distribution of oxygen and vital force in the body.

A lack of oxygen in the body can lead to tiredness. Tiredness can potentially give way to sadness which can further give way to potential depression and even further to potential suicidal thoughts or other psychotic events. 

Here’s a key takeaway:

“Extreme mental work expresses itself in body fatigue until the oxygen meets the demand in all parts of the body. A lack of oxygen can produce a ‘tired’ state of body, and until the necessary amount has been supplied, the brain and body will not be balanced or ‘rested.’”

Om Shanti, Om Shanti, Om Shanti!!! Prayers for Mother Earth and Mother Nature!

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