.png)
When I went to the theater to watch Doctor Strange, I was expecting a superhero movie, where the main lead with supernatural powers fights the villain and restores peace. However, I was shocked when the story unravelled to have multiple connections to yoga, especially to the mental aspect of the practice. This facet is an equally, if not more important, part of the yoga journey but is often hidden behind the physicality of yoga.
When one practices yoga, one not only gains physical flexibility and energy, but also mental power and elasticity. When yoga is done mindfully, with the breathing synced to each asana, it provides immense benefits both externally and internally. Mindful yoga provides benefits including chakra alignment and balance, healing from chronic diseases, and a deeper connection to the reality of the soul.
Similarly, this concept is explored in Doctor Strange as well. [Spoiler alert] When Stephen Strange (an arrogant neurosurgeon) loses his ability to operate after injuring his hands in a car accident, his world turns upside down. While he tries out many procedures and uses all his resources to speed up his recovery process, his efforts are to no avail and even the most renowned medical experts have no solution for Strange.
However, when he gets to know from his physiotherapist about Jonathan Pangborn, a paralyzed individual who was able to walk again, he seeks him out. After much reluctance, Pangborn tells Strange about Kamar-Taj who resides in Nepal and helped him heal through mind training. Whilst searching for Kamar-Taj, Strange is taken in by Mordo and meets the Ancient One. The Ancient One explains to Strange how the spirit is capable of healing itself by reprogramming its cells and that the mind and matter are connected at the root. Strange ignorantly dismisses this notion, causing The Ancient One to compare him to a full glass which has no space to learn or take in new perspectives. However, when the Ancient One reveals her powers to Strange, he realizes the immense power of training the mind and breath to control the matter of choice.
We as humans often believe that our experiences are formed through our sense of vision, when actually many other senses are at play. This means that we associate reality with the physical matter, and often dismiss the need to explore things on a more mental or spiritual level, as they are harder to perceive and believe in. The same thing happens with Strange when he tries out all forms of physical procedures to cure his hand, but is reluctant to believe in or explore the idea of training the mind to heal the hand, because it’s something that he can’t see.
Furthermore, The Ancient One’s teaching of “how the spirit is capable of healing itself by reprogramming its cells” highlights another connection to yoga. Daily yoga practice is also known to reprogram the mind and body to enter a more balanced state, enabling a calmer and clearer vision of life. Additionally, when comparing Strange to a full glass of water, it illustrates Strange’s inelasticity of the mind, which is unwilling to take on new perspectives about life. Elasticity of the mind, as taught in yoga, is a crucial part of our wellbeing, as it allows us to keep up with modern times and adapt to evolving perspectives. Moreover, it helps us stay young because it enables us to take in new information with curiosity and openness, just like a child, rather than stay stuck in the past.
Once Strange starts learning how to train the mind and breath, his brain is reprogrammed to be elastic as he is able to think away from from he was taught to be right, and can instead make decisions based on the needs of the moment and his own instinctive feeling, as was unravelled in the movie.
While the main focus of the movie was multiverses and the concept of time (two topics which also have connections to spirituality), the movie enabled the audience to think about a reality apart from the physical realm, providing a theatrical glimpse into igniting internal powers and strength through deep mindfulness training. This concept has a direct connection to the practice of yoga, where through the physical and mental training provided from asanas and pranayama, an individual can gain inner benefits and power.
Comentários