We are often taught to scorn doubt and fear, but some may claim this is the age of doubt.
After so many political, banking, and business scandals, what is left to believe in? Many sports icons, movie stars, musicians, and religious figures have fallen from grace.
Who are we to believe in? In Yoga, we are taught to look within and believe in ourselves.
If the sky falls tomorrow, the people, who work to solve the problem, will have to look deep within to find the solutions.
This is the gift of humanity today: People can create positive solutions during the worst of times, and these are not the worst of times.
This is the timeless gift of Yoga: This ancient system can help anyone grow mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
Your initial exposure will likely be through a physical system like Hatha Yoga, but there is so much more in terms of holistic benefits.
Yet, there are doubters who believe there are no solutions to depression, anxiety, stress overload, and poor health.
The same people will tell you there are no solutions to poverty, hunger, global warming, or the current global economic crisis; but there are solutions if we seek them.
At this time, new world leaders are being elected for their abilities to lead us out of the darkness.
We can shake, panic, and cry, but we cannot afford to stand still.
The change within each of us is to discard the "self-doubt chip.
" Much like computers, we are programmed; but it is time to look at self-doubt for what it is.
Self-doubt is only a hurdle, but it can be so formidable that people freeze in their tracks.
It is the little voice within that says: "I can't do it.
" You can listen to that little voice all of your life, or find the inner-strength within each of us.
Remember that even a mouse will bite, if it is cornered.
This reaction is not by choice, but it is primal behavior we call "survival instinct.
" If a mouse can muster up some inner fortitude, we can too.
Does this mean we need a dose of faith? In each time period, spiritual leaders had made statements about the need for more faith.
While faith is a wonderful quality, blind faith has caused senseless violence, Holy wars, holocausts, and witch hunts.
Faith, with a careful dose of understanding, compassion, and loving kindness, toward one's neighbors, is a powerful formula.
Therefore, we must move forward with compassionate faith and realize that doubt is often the driving force behind innovation and creativity.
Yogic philosophy is consistent.
In the higher forms of Yoga, such as Bhakti, Raja, Jnana, and Karma, an aspirant learns to find the good within.
© Copyright 2009 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications