Individuals and habits are diverse. As a result, the specifics of diagnosing and changing the thought patterns in our lives differ from person to person, and behaviour to behaviour. Giving up cigarettes is different than curbing overeating, which is different from changing how you communicate with your spouse, which is different from how you prioritize tasks at work. What’s more, each person’s habits and desires are driven by different motivations.

Importance of Data

We all need a framework that empowers us to investigate and determine which strategies will be used for transformation of varying mind patterns. The analysis report of one's thoughts and emotions should enable them to understand how their habits influence not only their lives, but of others around them. It should point out what beliefs and opinions are driving them into stress and suffering and how effective their efforts are in moving away from the dissatisfaction and suffering they are experiencing; if any. Some habits yield easily to analysis and influence while others are more complex and obstinate. These difficult siblings of the mind will require prolonged study and a life-long battle before they yield to any form of negotiation.

You will have to track all your thoughts, feelings, and emotions so you can discern correct knowledge from incorrect. To make progress, you need to know who you are. But keep in mind that how you use the data to monitor the progress of your Yogic quest will be different from every other person on this planet. Do not try to follow what others are doing. This is the very kind of behaviour we are trying to get away from. A true Yogi needs to find your own groove, and that is why they keep their lives as private as possible.

Do Not Expect Sudden Changes

Change is a process that never fully concludes. If you are able to change the context of the data that is going to be restored in the mind by putting a positive spin on it through changing the wrong information with the right, then a shift in consciousness will transpire. This is what is often referred to as paradigm shift. In such moments you will experience a moment in personal growth, congratulations! The development of this skill is known as Kriya Yoga, literally meaning working towards Yoga. This observance and recording of ones thoughts and emotions in reference to their experiences is the first place that one must begin. Without this there will be no evolution in consciousness. Do not delude yourself that by going to a Guru, joining a group, finding a relationship, or associating with certain people you will transcend the material experience.

So many people give up the practice of Yoga because they attempt sitting in meditation while doing no work to clean up the rubbish circulating within their mind. The stench from a mind that's filled with garbage makes it impossible for one to meditate. This is the sole reason for premature derailing of one's practice. Begin the practice of purifying your thoughts, words, and intentions along with the practice of meditation. Once you start tracking and analysing your thoughts, emotions, and intentions throughout the day, meditation will come naturally.

Through engaging in daily practice of monitoring your thoughts and emotions, you will soon be able to transcend the negative thought itself, and when that happens, the thought will have no power over you. The burden you have been carrying will now be a little lighter. You do this for enough of your thought patterns, and you will reinvent your reality from one of suffering, to one of miracles. Higher Samadhi practice will now find no obstruction in its path.