Page:Hatha yoga - or the yogi philosophy of physical well-being, with numberous excercises.djvu/152

152 flat palm of the hand, saying to it sharply (for instance): "Here, Liver you must do your work better—you are too sluggish to suit me—I expect you to do better from now on—get to work—get to work, I say, and stop this foolishness." These exact words are not necessary; use any words which may come to you, so long as they convey a sharp positive command that the organ shall do its work. The heart's action may be improved in the same way, but one must proceed in a far more gentle manner, as the cell-group of the heart is possessed of a much higher degree of intelligence than that of the liver, for instance, and must be approached in a more respectful manner. Gently remind the heart that you expect it to do its work in a better manner, but speak to it politely and do not attempt to "bulldoze" it as you would the liver. The heart cell-group is the most intelligent of the groups controlling any of the organs—the liver group is the most stupid and less intelligent, being of a decidedly mulish disposition, whereas the heart is like a thoroughbred horse, intelligent and alert. If your liver is rebellious you must go for it vigorously, remembering its mulish propensities. The stomach is fairly intelligent, although not as much so as the heart. The Colon is quite obedient, although patient and long suffering. One may give the Colon commands to evacuate its contents at a certain time every morning (naming the hour), and if you will trust it sufficiently to go to the stool at that particular hour—keep your engagement, in fact—you will find that the Colon will in a short time do as you wish it to. But remember that the poor Colon has been greatly abused and it may take