What is asana?

The term "asana" refers to the physical poses (also referred to as "postures" or "positions") of yoga.

Ahhhh, but there is so much more! 

Asana began thousands of years ago as a way for renunciant forest yogis to prepare their bodies to sit endlessly in deep meditation. According to the Eight Limbs of Yoga, this is the purpose of asana.

Today, people often go to “yoga” classes to enhance their physical fitness, and many classes focus solely on the physical benefits of asanas. But yoga is the path of union, and the yoga practice is intended to help us realize the connection between the many different aspects of ourselves. With little or no attention given to cultivating the interconnectedness between body, breath, mind and soul, the physical asana practice alone is not yoga and does little to facilitate spiritual growth.

Read on for a basic understanding of asana,
along with an introduction to begin to appreciate the role it plays in a yoga practice.

History & intention of Asana

While it is a 5,000+ year old practice, many of us first discover yoga through the physical practice of asana. However, asana is just one aspect of a much deeper practice, as explained in the Eight Limbs of Yoga. So let's begin the with the guidance offered in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.  

Asana is the third limb in the Eight Limbs of Yoga and it literally means ‘seat’ - specifically, the seat you take for meditation. Your seat should be in a position that is firm, but relaxed. The only alignment instruction for asana given by the ancient sage Patanjalii is “Sthira Sukham Asanam”, meaning every asana should be steady and comfortable (Sanskrit translation: STHIRA and SUKHA).

STHIRA means steady or stable or grounded or strong. SUKHA means comfortable or easy or peaceful. Finding that balance between effort and ease is what your your yoga practice is all about!  

Why? If we can be steady and comfortable and not ‘pulled’ by the aches and pains of the body, or distracted by restlessness due to an uncomfortable position or a wandering mind, we can sit in meditation endlessly!

Incorporating Asana into your practice

In a group class, expect varying levels of experience. My classes offer modifications for both beginners and advanced practitioners. Try not compare your practice to others. Everyone's bodies and abilities are beautifully unique.

Regardless of how much experience you have, it is empowering to join the community of each class. Allow yourself to start where ever you are, with no judgement and no expectations. Remember too, everyday is different for everyone. 

Try not to focus on achieving the "perfect pose"; there is no such thing. If you can stay focused on your breath, your gaze and your balance, you'll likely be amazed by how much deeper you can move into each pose.

Interested in trying it out? Or deepening your established practice?

Come to one of my group classes!  Or contact me to schedule a private or small group session!

INterconnectedness of Body~Mind~Soul

The idea of a deep spiritual practice may sound overwhelming, so let's dial it back for a moment. Consider asana practice as a way to enhance the capacity of the body and mind to embark on a process of self-discovery.  Through self-reflection, we can begin to see the connecting link between body and breath, breath and mind, mind and soul. Only when the body is healthy and the mind is inwardly-focused can we journey towards deeper spiritual awakening. 

Yoga Sutra 1:2 "Yogas Citta Vrtti Nirodhah."
“Yoga is the Cessation of the Fluctuations of the Mind.”  
 

What does Patanjalii mean by “fluctuations of the mind?” Fluctuations of the mind include all the thoughts, feelings, opinions, emotions, memories and misconceptions that barrage our existence on a seemingly endless cycle. And who wouldn’t hope for the cessation of those, even if only for a little while?

Remember, the physical asana practice alone is not yoga and does little to facilitate spiritual growth. Counting the breath, sending your awareness into your sensory perceptions in each pose and mentally reciting a mantra like “AUM” are all tactics to infuse your asana (physical practice) with the quality of meditation which will gradually diminish the incessant tendency to think and feel. When the mind stops wandering, the process of self-discovery begins.

History & intention of Asana

While it is a 5,000+ year old practice, many of us first discover yoga through the physical practice of asana. However, asana is just one aspect of a much deeper practice, as explained in the Eight Limbs of Yoga. So let's begin the with the guidance offered in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.  

Asana is the third limb in the Eight Limbs of Yoga and it literally means ‘seat’ - specifically, the seat you take for meditation. Your seat should be in a position that is firm, but relaxed. The only alignment instruction for asana given by the ancient sage Patanjalii is “Sthira Sukham Asanam”, meaning every asana should be steady and comfortable (Sanskrit translation: STHIRA and SUKHA).

STHIRA means steady or stable or grounded or strong. SUKHA means comfortable or easy or peaceful. Finding that balance between effort and ease is what your your yoga practice is all about!  

Why? If we can be steady and comfortable and not ‘pulled’ by the aches and pains of the body, or distracted by restlessness due to an uncomfortable position or a wandering mind, we can sit in meditation endlessly!

Incorporating Asana into your practice

In a group class, expect varying levels of experience. My classes offer modifications for both beginners and advanced practitioners. Try not compare your practice to others. Everyone's bodies and abilities are beautifully unique.

Regardless of how much experience you have, it is empowering to join the community of each class. Allow yourself to start where ever you are, with no judgement and no expectations. Remember too, everyday is different for everyone. 

Try not to focus on achieving the "perfect pose"; there is no such thing. If you can stay focused on your breath, your gaze and your balance, you'll likely be amazed by how much deeper you can move into each pose.

Interested in trying it out? Or deepening your established practice?

Come to one of my group classes!  Or contact me to schedule a private or small group session!

INterconnectedness of Body~Mind~Soul

The idea of a deep spiritual practice may sound overwhelming, so let's dial it back for a moment. Consider asana practice as a way to enhance the capacity of the body and mind to embark on a process of self-discovery.  Through self-reflection, we can begin to see the connecting link between body and breath, breath and mind, mind and soul. Only when the body is healthy and the mind is inwardly-focused can we journey towards deeper spiritual awakening. 

Yoga Sutra 1:2 "Yogas Citta Vrtti Nirodhah."
“Yoga is the Cessation of the Fluctuations of the Mind.”  
 

What does Patanjalii mean by “fluctuations of the mind?” Fluctuations of the mind include all the thoughts, feelings, opinions, emotions, memories and misconceptions that barrage our existence on a seemingly endless cycle. And who wouldn’t hope for the cessation of those, even if only for a little while?

Remember, the physical asana practice alone is not yoga and does little to facilitate spiritual growth. Counting the breath, sending your awareness into your sensory perceptions in each pose and mentally reciting a mantra like “AUM” are all tactics to infuse your asana (physical practice) with the quality of meditation which will gradually diminish the incessant tendency to think and feel. When the mind stops wandering, the process of self-discovery begins.