The Ten Light Bodies of Consciousness, and the Neutral Mind (4th body)

"Service creates a permanent love and friendship. Self-discipline creates grace. And a neutral mind creates wisdom." ~Yogi Bhajan

Morning run along the seawall, Granville Island, Vancouver BC Canada

Well, it has been one full month!! I recently attended a 3-day Advanced Narrative Therapy Training on Granville Island in Vancouver, led by Stephen Madigan. Narrative Therapy is a beautiful form of therapy that is based largely on questions, being the author of your own story, and finding alternatives to prescribed societal, familial, and cultural ways of being. The "problem" is not seen as localized in you, the lived experience is privileged, and multiple perspectives are encouraged. I found many aspects similar to how I aspire to be in my counselling practice.
I loved exploring Granville Island, running along the seawall, and being/feeling reminded how valuable it is to consistently invest in continuing education for inspiration, connection, and on-going skill-development!

Ten Light Bodies of Consciousness, and 
the Neutral Mind (4th body)

In Kundalini Yoga drop-in classes at Hemma, we have been exploring the Ten Light Bodies of Consciousness. In each class we practice a Kriya, Mantra, and Pranayama that strengthens, attunes, and balances the Light Body we are working on.
All are welcome to join this Thursday's class (5:00 - 6:15pm) for the Neutral Mind! (Next Tuesday's [9:00 - 10:15am] and Thursday's class will be for the Physical Body).

Tree Sap, Goldstream Park, Victoria BC Canada

The Ten Light Bodies of Consciousness are: 1) Soul Body, 2) Negative Mind, 3) Positive Mind, 4) Neutral Mind, 5) Physical Body, 6) Arcline, 7) Aura, 8) Pranic Body, 9) Subtle Body, and 10) Radiant Body. 

Ultimately, the Light Bodies of Consciousness all serve the Soul Body. 
"The practice of Kundalini Yoga strengthens all ten bodies procuring permanent changes in our perceptual reality. Our newfound awareness allows us to focus on the voice of our soul, which guides us in fulfilling the purpose of our life. When we keep the ten bodies balanced, we create waves of consciousness that lead to authentic healing." ~Dr. Siri Atma

The 4th Light Body, the Neutral Mind (also called the Meditative Mind) is a state that is primarily cultivated with meditation. When you have a strong Neutral Mind, you accurately assess risks and benefits, make appropriate decisions, and act skillfully. Intuition comes naturally and you don't become lost in the analytical mind. When solid in the Neutral Mind, you are able to give and receive criticism with equanimity. You tend to have a balancing effect on people around you - for example, for those who are overly in their negative/protective mind, or overly in their positive/projective mind. You balance your inner and outer worlds. 

"Without the neutral mind you cannot be consistently constant and know who you are." ~ Dr. Siri Atma 

When you are coming from the Neutral Mind, you have a comprehensive knowing of time, space, the environment, and you. You have good timing, and you can successfully work out recurring patterns in your life without radically going off in the over-projective (positive) or over-protective (negative) minds.

"If you understand that you are ten bodies, and you are aware of those ten bodies, and you keep them in balance, then the whole universe will be in balance with you." 
~ Yogi Bhajan

Turtles doing Cobra Pose, Beacon Hill Park, Victoria BC Canada

Pranayama - Shabd Kriya - for the Neutral Mind

This is an amazing breath practice that is wonderful to do before you go to sleep at night. If this is practiced regularly, your sleep will be deep and relaxed and your nerves will be regenerated. 
Numerological significance: 22 is the infinite number of longing and gives mastery of the mental realm. This pranayama regulates the breath in 22 counts which gives your mind the power to reach Infinity.
 
Rest you hands in your lap, palms up, right palm in left palm with thumb tips touching and pointing forward. Eyes are 1/10 open and gazing at the tip of your nose. 
Inhale in four equal parts, mentally chanting the mantra Sa Ta Na Ma (4 counts). Then hold your breath for four mental repetitions of Sa Ta Na Ma (16 counts). Then exhale in two equal parts, mentally chanting Wahe Guru (2 counts). One whole sequence is 22 counts. Practice for 15 - 62 minutes.