By: Aruna Ladva 
Source: The Daily Guardian https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/view/2615/the-daily-guardian/15
Dated: June 21st, 2025

International Yoga Day, 21st June, reminds us how much benefit there is in following certain disciplines. There are many kinds of yoga, and the most widely known are those yogas that teach therapeutic physical postures, for health on all levels. Yet there is also a yoga that concentrates on postures of the mind that can enhance or inhibit our interaction and understanding of the world.

As with the physical moves, some postures of the mind are for strengthening, some for stretching, and others for balance. We are empowered as we develop certain strong, positive "I can do!" attitudes. As we stretch our soul muscles, i.e. we increase capacity in the soul as we stay humble and open. And with meditation we create a balanced life as the mind calms and we are able to take better decisions for our well-being. As with all types of yoga, this requires regular practice. 

Research indicates that when we adopt an upright posture, we can enhance or recall positive thoughts. Whereas a slumped posture invites negative thoughts. There are also physical power poses which can increase the feeling of confidence, such as standing like a superman or superwoman, with one’s arms on the waist. Another power move is raising the arms in a ‘V’ formation after a victory. All these and more give one a feeling of inner motivation and confidence.

An alert, awake, and conscious mind is an upright, open mental posture, which means the soul is open to learning and growing, expanding its horizons; confident to tackle anything. It is a posture of self-respect and self-awareness. And when we emit that feeling, then we get the power to accomplish. The universe is not controlling us, punishing us, or blessing us, it is simply responding to our vibrations. A powerful vibration would be what we need for a happy, joyous life.

Listed below are examples of six particular mental postures.

Focus

Focus is attention and clarity. Focus is not just about concentration; it is about prioritization. Focus on what you want, not on what you do not want. Focus is about knowing what is important. It is the ability to direct our energy to one thing, despite distractions.  

Attitude

It is not what we face, but how we face it. As a mental posture, attitude is like the spine of the mind - it holds everything else upright. Attitude shapes our energy, relationships, and outcomes. 

Resilience

Bending without breaking. One of the reasons why we do exercise is so we keep ourselves malleable and supple. One who is resilient is flexible. By staying rooted, we have the ability to absorb pressure, adapt to change, and recover from failure. 

Discipline (and determination)

Discipline is not simply about being harsh, but being consistent and committed. It is choosing what you want more, over what you want now. Discipline always reaps rewards and it comes with an added ‘feel good’ factor. 

Intention

Intention is purposeful direction. In karma philosophy, intention is everything. You might assist someone by helping them cross the road, but then if, by doing so, you expect to be in their will, the act loses power. Pure intention is everything. A pure intentioned posture does not react, it chooses awareness and brings clarity to the action.

Presence

Presence means to be fully here and now. Complete attention to this moment now.  Presence grounds the mind; you are neither living in the past or future; you are present; like a child who is fully absorbed and present in class. When the mind is fully present in the moment, it is ready to receive, accept, absorb. Presence is perhaps the greatest foundation for all the other postures, for you cannot build strength without being grounded.  

Concentration is needed, and developed, through the disciplines of physical yoga, physical postures, and breathing techniques. Flexibility of the body that develops through these disciplines bring enhanced health and well-being. It is through deep meditation that the many postures of the mind are acquired. Rajyoga meditation links the individual mind with the mind of the Supreme, and in so doing, with regular practice, the mind becomes flexible, powerful, and full of peace.

Aruna Ladva is an author and Rajyoga meditation teacher
based at the Global Retreat Centre, Oxford, UK.