The practice of meditation brings many benefits

One important benefit is the healing of the nervous system.

Meditation gives peace. Inner peace is like a lubricating oil that enables the machinery of our lives to function smoothly. Without mental peace, our emotions, and the various challenges that we face in life create inner stress that can lead to a physical and nervous breakdown.

Negative emotions create blocks in the heart and in the flow of life force in the body.  The nervous system was not made to withstand the destructive force of intense emotions or persistent negative thoughts and feelings.

Through daily practice of meditation, a person can release the negative emotions and thoughts that are destroying him.

In meditation, we attune to the power of God to heal. The power of God is like a great ocean. We can visualize it surging through the heart in a cleansing flood, removing all obstructions of delusive doubt, nervousness, and fear.

The Importance of Balance

The nervous system supplies life current to the brain, heart, and other parts of the body. It distributes energy to the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.

The nervous system is also the vehicle through which the body responds to outer and inner stimuli. Any violent or persistent mental, emotional, or physical excitement greatly disturbs and unbalances the flow of life force through the senses.

Paramhansa Yogananda said:

“Excitement upsets the nerves balance, by sending too much energy to some parts and depriving others of their normal share. This lack of proper distribution of nerve force is the sole cause of nervousness. The calm man—he who avoids excitement because he is not overly attached to his ego and is aware that God, and not he, is running this universe—is always able to meet any situation in life because his nerve force is equilibrated.”

In the Bhagavad Gita (5:20), Krishna said:

“Such sages, established in the one Supreme Being and unwavering in their discrimination, are neither jubilant when confronted by pleasant experiences, nor depressed when confronted by painful ones.”

This is the goal we must strive for and attain.

It is important, therefore, to keep the nerves in a state of perfect balance, not shocking one part of the body with too much energy and consequently limiting the supply to other regions.

To reach the yogic state of an equilibrated being, one needs to avoid restlessness or emotional reactions, and develop calmness, and deep trust in God.

To Cultivate Calmness

Avoid poisoning yourself with anger, fear, and violent emotions.  Affirm daily:

I am a prince of peace, sitting on the throne of poise, directing my kingdom of activity.

No matter what you do, in your center you should feel peace and poise. Meditate daily and hold onto the peaceful after-effects of meditation. Train yourself to send out thoughts of love, goodwill, and harmony.

Tips to Calm the Nerves in Daily Life
by Swami Kriyananda

1. Accept reality as it is, not wishing things to be other than they are.
2. Nervousness goes hand and hand with tension. Use breathing techniques and yoga postures to relax your body and mind.
3. Always remain centered within.
4. Eat a healthy diet. Avoid eating junk food or sugar, which cause agitation. A vegetarian diet helps calm the nervous system.
5. Mental attitude is the most important thing of all. Living in negativity causes nervousness. Learn to live with a positive, courageous, and accepting attitude. When you dwell on higher consciousness, from that level you can make positive changes.
6. In meditation, we get centered.  Our consciousness is uplifted and we feel fulfilled. The more we can focus on higher aspirations, avoid brooding on problems, open our hearts and minds to God, and dwell on Him – then nothing will touch us.

-Nayaswami Diksha