Thoughts and Emotions as fuel for your Body and Soul

The Manomayakosha, or the "mental body", is constituted by the mind and the 5 sense-organs of knowledge.

In this context, the mind (or "manas", derived from "mano" in Sanskrit, which means mind), is associated with the processing of sensory information and the formation of basic thoughts and perceptions.

The sensory information is received through our 5 senses: sight, smell, taste, touch and hearing. The mind is then interpreting and organising this sensory data, as well as generating thoughts, emotions, and desires in response to the sensory input.

Therefore, this sheath of the body is nourished by constructive thoughts, intellectual stimulation, emotional well-being, healthy relationships, and by engaging in activities that foster mental growth and expansion.

Thoughts, desires and emotions are interconnected and for sure influence one another. They form a dynamic interplay within the mind, shaping our perception, experience, and behaviour. Cultivating awareness of this interrelation can help us understand and work with our mental and emotional states, fostering greater clarity, balance, and well-being.

Embracing the Fluidity of Thoughts and Emotions

In yogic philosophy, there is an understanding that all thoughts and emotions are natural and arise as part of the human experience. They are not inherently good or bad; they are considered neutral in their essence. We are the ones labelling them as constructive or destructive, toxic, negative, positive etc.

This philosophy emphasises the acceptance and non-judgment of all thoughts and emotions, encouraging us to develop a balanced and mindful relationship with our inner states.

When experiencing strong thoughts or emotions, which have the potential to lead us into a disruptive state, harm to others or even ourselves, it's important to practice self-awareness, non-attachment and equanimity. With that, there is the understanding that the particular thought or emotion we are feeling is fluctuating according to the state our body and mind are in that very moment. The same applies to pleasurable thoughts and emotions.

Thoughts and emotions are great messengers pointing us to beliefs, internal patterns, desires, memories etc, which might no longer be supportive to us. They are part of our experience as human beings and should not be rejected or repressed; they should rather be integrated and understood.

How does ThaiYoga Massage correlates with the Manomayakosha?

I once heard that the body is the seat of the unconscious - from the neck down to the toes. My experience in ThaiYoga Massage confirms that as I have clients experiencing the release of emotions, memories and "random" thoughts during our sessions.

When touching the physical body - the Annamayakosha - I am also stimulating the energy body - Pranamayakosha - and this in turn impacts on the next sheath, the Manomayakosha.

The emotional tension and stress in the mental body can manifest as muscular tightness or holding patterns in the physical body. This is a fascinating world to be explored!

During a ThaiYoga Massage session, there is an activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a relaxation response. When the body and mind are in a deeply relaxed state, it can facilitate the release of emotional stress from the body.

As already saw in this post, when working on the energy lines, blockages or imbalances in the flow of energy can be addressed. These energetic shifts can also create a release of stagnant or blocked energy, including emotional energy that may have been stored in the body.

Have you imagined that a ThaiYoga Massage could go that far? Yeah, it does!