To explain the workings of the human mind, Yoga Science presents a simple, conceptual diagram: a wheel with four spokes that turn it. The rim of the wheel represents the body, and its hub is the Divine Super Conscious Wisdom that is our deepest nature. The four spokes represent the Four Functions of the Mind: Senses and Logic (Manas), Ego (self-preservation), Unconscious (habits and memories), and Conscience (Buddhi). Ideally, these four functions work together in formulating every decision, large and small; but it is the Conscience that needs to have the last word if we are to live well […]

These days almost every situation can trigger the fight-flight-freeze stress response. Life in the 21st century so far feels as if we’ve been hijacked into a bizarre Rod Serling “Twilight Zone” episode from the 1960s.

Suddenly, what once seemed stable and reassuring now feels uncertain and potentially threatening. Fear, anger, anxiety and depression are now commonplace in our minds, our homes, our politics, at work and school, in hospitals, concert halls, vacation resorts, on television and the internet—even in our sacred houses of worship.

Nothing feels quite as normal nor as optimistic as it once did. A clear, sobering indicator comes from […]