Page:Hatha yoga - or the yogi philosophy of physical well-being, with numberous excercises.djvu/149

to respond to the calls of the Instinctive Mind, acting in response to a demand from the cells of the Colon—nor does it pay attention to the demands for water—and the consequence is that the Instinctive Mind is unable to execute the proper orders, and both it and certain of the cell-groups become demoralized and scarcely know what to do—bad habits springing up and replacing the natural habit. Sometimes something akin to a rebellion springs up in some of the cell-groups, resulting no doubt from some interruption in the natural course of their government, the introduction of strange customs causing a confusion. At times it seems that some of the smaller groups and even some of the larger on certain occasions go on "a strike," rebelling against unaccustomed and improper work forced upon them—working overtime—and similar causes, such as a lack of proper nourishment. These little cells often act just as would men under the same circumstances—the analogy is often startling to the observer and investigator. These rebellions, or strikes, seem to spread if matters are not arranged, and even when matters are patched up the cells seem to return to their work in a sullen manner, and instead of doing the best they know how they will do as little as possible, and just when they feel like it. A restoration of normal conditions, resulting from increased nutrition, proper attention, etc., will gradually bring about a return to normal conditions, but matters may be expedited by giving the cell-groups direct orders from the Will. It is astonishing how soon order and discipline may be restored in this manner. The higher Yogis have a wonderful control over the involuntary system and