Inside Asana
Yoga’s beauty is simple. Everything is an expression of divinity. Everything is one. All paths lead us to the same source. That place of stillness where nothing changes. Peace.
To confuse advanced yoga with advanced physical postures is common but problematic.
The body is what we have been given to experience this wonderful universe and its multitude of adventures. It’s easy to fall for the illusion and believe that the body is an end in itself. (The study of the scriptures and the causes of our pain and suffering can be of great help in unraveling this mystery. Kleisha)
We tend to undervalue the importance of the inner workings of the mind because they cannot be “seen” by others. It is much easier and more impressive to work on headstand than it is to work on the yamas! We mistakenly assume that if we cannot see it, then it doesn’t matter as much.
Yoga asana is the 3rd limb of the eightfold path and is not ranked as higher or lower than any of the other limbs.
The body is a sacred portal to be cared for and nurtured in every way. To be enjoyed to its fullest potential. As a means to an end.
Students often are eager to learn new, more difficult postures. I often tell them that I can show them but “then what?”.
Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s wonderful to set goals, thirst for knowledge, explore the limits of the body, to play your edge, find alignment. These are all essential to health and healing and tuning in to the body. They are also necessary for further experiences in meditation.
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The problem arises when the we are not familiar with mind. When our thought processes go unnoticed, they work according to old habits. We lose sight of the big picture and get caught up in details. We focus on the advancement and attainment of complicated physical postures with the idea of “doing” — not being aware of our intentions as we “do”. Then, once we have accomplished what we set out to in the physical field, we identify and attach to the impermanent as permanent. Asana then becomes a fleeting idea and yet another thing to acquire in order to feel whole.
The idea of perfection being outside of yourself is why we get lost looking. Our relationship with consumption is directly related to us being so vulnerable to falling prey to the idea that we are lacking something.
The goal of Yoga is not to obtain something that is lacking: it is the realization of an already present reality. Yoga practice removes the obstacles that obstruct the experience of Samadhi, or the state of complete absorption. — Jaganath Carrera
The exhausting, never-ending game of endlessly chasing desires. If we don’t catch ourselves getting attached to conquering postures, we will have fallen into the very trap that caused most of us to fall in love with yoga in the first place.
There is a beautiful and effective way to be with the physical body and embrace all the wonderful teachings, without losing a sense of what’s real. To fill rather than to chase. To be rather than to do. This allows you much more depth in the muscles, tissues and bones. Once you grasp the feeling of working with your body and mind in synchronicity, your body will lead you to its outermost edges progressively, safely and naturally.
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It’s about an awareness, which causes a natural shift in intention. It’s about practicing with bhavana, calling your heartfelt intention into the now. About trust that the body and the universe know how to unfold. It’s about allowing.
It is essential to work with the body as a wonderful expression of spirit. To cherish and nurture every cell.
This can best be done if we learn to work from within. To be your own best teacher. Over my years of practice, it is where I can reach the deepest into my body, where I can tap into freedom of expression and movement. Where I can be moved rather than to move. Where sequences spontaneously arise and answers are found. Where alignment comes naturally. Where habits get updated. Where I can even be shown what to offer others for their own healing. Where oneness can be felt in the ever-present embrace of love.
Tips
- Challenge yourself to feel just as happy on the days you feel heavy and tired, as on the days you are flexible and strong.
- When you set physical goals, examine your intention. Start from a place of fun and catch yourself if you slip into old thought patterns. Watch your mind. End in gratitude.
- Sit in silence and think of what you need compared to what you want and why.
- Think of all the things Mother Nature provides for us. Remember you are a child of the universe.
- Laugh, love and have fun.