Handling ‘muscle memory’ in yog(a)

‘Muscle memory’, it appeared very strange when I heard this word for the first time. Till then, I thought that memory belongs to only brain in the body. But when I heard this word many times in a seminar, it caught my attention. A little search on Internet revealed that it is actually a magic word. The word ‘motor learning’ is also used as its synonyms. ‘Muscle memory’ implies that when the repetition of any work is done so many times that we start doing it with our unconscious mind. In that case, our conscious brain does not have a role in doing it. It gets incorporated into our habit. After more than a certain number of repetitions of a task, we are able to establish muscle memory. This principle is often used in training programs.rnWhen we are working from muscle memory, our attitude is biased and predetermined, rather than a natural reaction. According to yog-sutr(a) of Patanjali, yog(a) means that or mind must be free from all biases. Only then we will be able to participate in the events that come before us with our conscious mind. rnBut from the point of view of the system and the market or society, it is more convenient that we establish muscle memory and work with the subconscious mind so that there is no obstruction in the work flow and the work goes on systematically.rnIf we have to meditation in a place far away from the world, then we will have to erase all our muscle memory one by one, only then we will be able to grow further to ‘Nirvan(a)’. But most of us also have to live in society. While living in society, if we have to practice yog(a), then we have to keep the ' muscle memory' as low as the salt in the food. It means that the ratio of the amount of active unconscious and conscious mind (according to taste) should be a small number, just like, ‘pinch of salt’.