No matter which asana we practise, the key lies in the ability to go deeper. For example, when we learn that the simple movement of a toe can shift the body’s entire alignment into perfection, where energy flows and exuberance sets in, fresh understanding arises. In other words, we begin to see that with a simple shift of perspective, we can release mental chaos, stress and hurt, and move towards a more harmonious state of being.
Standing asanas
Standing asanas are about gross movement, as they involve the big muscles of the body. At first, we may find that we have very little awareness of the physical body. But the more we practise, the more alert and aware we become of our bodies, moving into a more conscious way of being. The standing asanas enable us to ground ourselves to the earth and feel stronger. Similarly, in physical life, many people spend their lives involved in the daily business of survival, in unconscious movement. We try to change and manipulate circumstances, pushing and pulling, moving against the flow of life. So much of our lives is spent in conflict, resisting what is. As we experience life, we mature, and the awareness that life is just a bag full of ups and downs begins to dawn, leading to a change in the perspectives with which we live our lives. The standing asanas strengthen the energy centre known as the root chakra (muladhara), which grounds us in the physical world.
Forward-bending asanas
Th e forward-bending asanas are about humility and surrender. Physically, the forward-bending asanas develop the core muscles in the abdominal and back region. Unconscious and gross muscular movement in the standing asanas turns to conscious movement with the awakening of the core.
Similarly, as we mature and develop greater awareness, we realise that life is not fully in our control, and that we live in a physical environment that is challenging, impermanent and uncertain. Thus, there is no point in resisting what is. With humility and surrender, we begin the journey inwards, towards the strengthening of our inner core and the inner self, so that we may live our lives skilfully and with fullness, despite the inherent nature of the physical world.
The forward-bending asanas work on both the root and the navel (manipura) chakra, which holds a lot of our fears, doubts and negativities, helping us release these disturbing energies.
Back-bending asanas
Back-bending asanas further develop our core muscles and strengthen the spine, the central axis of the human body. Furthermore, the muscles involved in deep breathing are also further developed.
Back-bending asanas build confidence and our ability to embrace the diversity of life. Once we accept life for what it is, we must develop the resilience, skill and confidence with which to face the gamut of life’s experiences. The more physically grounded we are, the easier it is for us to work with the breath to relax and focus the mind. And when we do, we access our intellect, a higher intelligence where creativity and wisdom reign. Resistance leads to unhappiness and anxiety. Acceptance leads to non-misery. Acceptance enables our mind to become calm and relaxed, be non-judgemental, gain fresh perspectives and work with the parameters we are faced with.
The back-bending asanas further release the negativities held in the navel (manipura) chakra, open the heart (anahata) chakra so that we may embrace life, and strengthen our throat (vishuddhi) chakra, our centre of communication. We learn how to respond, versus react to life, with the stimulation of these energy centres.
Inversions
On ce the core muscles of the body are developed, we experience a stronger and more balanced body. With inversions, we learn to hold the posture with ease, in spite of being against gravity. By the same token, when the inner core is developed and strengthened, life can turn us upside down, but we remain still and centred, undisturbed by the instability around us, firmly rooted in ourselves.
Excerpted and edited from
Just Breathe, by Radhika Vachani, published by Westland
