Asana

Hello sweet Patrons!

Let's keep exploring the eight limbs of Yoga as described by Patanjali. After the first and second limbs ground us in internal and external ethical practices, we continue our journey upward to enlightenment with physical postures or Asanas.

For the amount of attention Asanas receive in our social media feeds, particularly the asanas that look good in front of a waterfall, we can start to feel discouraged before we even begin our journey into Yoga, thinking that we’re not strong or flexible enough to benefit from these practices.

The literal meaning of Asana is Seat. Patanjali says: “Sthira sukhasanam”- meaning: that which is steady and comfortable is Asana. ‘Sthira’ means steady, balanced, and ‘sukha’ means comfortable. Holding postures that cause pain and discomfort in the body means we’re more likely to be inconsistent in our practice and give up.

When Patanjali wrote the Yoga Sutra the practice of Asana was sitting in meditation. Those were the asanas - sitting. Patanjali says the postures or Asanas “are mastered when all effort is relaxed and the mind is absorbed in the infinite.” When this happens, Patanjali says “We are no longer upset by the play of opposites.”

Many asanas have been added to Hatha Yoga since Patanjali amalgamated the practices prevalent in his time, and just because something is new doesn’t mean it doesn’t bring us benefits. If we’re practicing postures in a way that causes pain in the body, that strains the breath, we’re losing the Yogic value of the shape.

If you like to set goals in your Yoga practice, and Enlightenment feels a little lofty for this life, then set a goal to be able to breathe smooth and steady breaths. Set a goal to hold the shape in a way that allows the mind to feel absorbed in the moment.

I’m not saying to never come into a challenging Asana. When we Practice finding comfort within the discomfort of physically challenging postures on our mats, we are practicing navigating discomfort off our mats. Those postures teach us how to remain steady, trust in the breath, and be fully present through the situations in life that challenge us emotionally. It is guaranteed that life will serve us seasons of un-easiness, of displeasure, and Yoga Asanas teach us the lessons that can carry us through those times with grace, and compassion.

This month we'll be practicing two asanas that can be done every day. They are paired well because one is the counter posture to other - which just means that they bring balance. 

Okay - technically we'll be practicing three - because Savasana is the entire point of all the other asanas. They prepare us to meditate in final relaxation. 

Thank you so much for being here with me, Patrons. I appreciate you endlessly.
Kim
OM

Journaling Prompts:

1. Do I consistently push myself past the point of steady and comfortable when I practice Asana? Why do I do that?
2. Do I tend to avoid challenging myself physically in Asana? What is holding me back?
3. Do I avoid uncomfortable situations & conversations in my relationships? What am I sacrificing when I avoid these things?