Diversity of Yogasanas
When most speak of yoga today they are referring not to the total system of yoga but to the practice of the yogasanas. For the most part, when we read in the newspaper or hear on TV the word yoga we should think yogasanas as this is what they are referring to: postures of unity.
The postures of unity from the yogic system are an integral aspect of the yogic system and are usually one of the first practices implemented in the path towards spiritual evolution because the yogasanas bring about unity starting from the level we are most aware of: the physical body.
The diversity in forms of yogasanas being practices in contemporary society are an expression of our collective interest in the human body exploring different ways of rebuilding and reconnecting with the pieces that make up the total human being. In societies where the body has become neglected through improper diet and insufficiencies in exercise, yogasanas can rapidly transform physical and mental health to bring people back into connection with the many layers of their created being!
At the ashram we explore many forms of yogasanas including a revitalized form of the postures of unity from the ancient tantric India which has been out of practice for the last 100 years yet a unique expression of the physical practice of yoga.
Body Knowledge Types
Every object within the universe has specific limitations: the sun can only radiate so much heat within a day, the plant can grow only so many inches within a year, the fish can only live in water, and a human body can only do a certain amount of things. When we talk about knowing the body we are considering two things. First what are the limitations of my own body at this present state in time and second what are the general limitations of the structure of my physical body. The difference between the two can be described as such: suppose I had just dislocated my knee which has drastically reduced the degree of movement in my knee joint. At present I may only be able to bend my knee 10 degrees but structurally my body has the capacity to bend the knee upwards of 170 degrees. Both of these details are of value to me because I know where I presently stand but I also know where I can work towards.
Both forms of body knowledge must be active when we are practicing movements that may put excessive strain on the body such as the body’s muscles, joints, tendons, and nerves. Neglecting the body by ignoring the present limitations of the body can be as disastrous as ignoring the overall structural design of the body. If we work beyond our own body’s current capacity then we will undoubtedly injure ourselves. Hence the reason why so many yogis suffer a few days or even weeks after a yoga class due to over stretching or strengthening. Also, if we disregard the structural design of our bodies than we will be putting stress in places that are not design to take stress or force a stretch that is damaging to a tendon or ligament within the body. Common errors practiced by many beginner yogis involve overstressing the joints (such as hyperextension of the knee) and forcing postures that are structurally unhealthy.
Dynamic yogasanas are unique in that we can quickly learn about both the present limitation of our body as well as the structural limitation. Knowledge of the present limitations comes from observation of the movements of the body such as I can arch my spine this much or I can bend this far forward. We learn to read our body by judging what is a good stretch and what is not, what is a healthy flexion of a joint and what is potentially damaging. By activating, observing, and listening to the body one step at a time we learn how to support the present needs of the body in a constructive and supportive way. One simple example involves the rotation of the head. With the body stable from the shoulders down we can gently, without force, rotate the head clockwise trying to bring the chin towards the chest on the downward rotation, the ear towards the shoulder on the side portion of the rotation, and tilting the head back while elevating the chin on the backwards rotation. What is the range of motion here? How close does the ear get to the shoulder without lifting the shoulder? We can also observe what muscles were active, how much stress and strain was felt within these muscles, whether the vertebra in the neck felt constricted or free, or if any sounds were created during the movement. These are just some of the lessons we learn from the body when we observe even a simple motion as neck rotation.
Wisdom of the structural limitation of the body comes from both the guidance of the teacher along with the observation of the student. Basic anatomy helps in gaining an understanding of what the human body is generally capable of which can then be observed by the student as they go through their yoga practice. An example of this is in the movement of the pelvis, particularly within a posture like trikonasana. In this posture the lateral extension of the torso can come either from the spine or the pelvis through the movement within the hips. We can simply arch the spine from the pelvis to fold the upper body sideways or we can tilt the pelvis consistently with the spine so that the spine is straight but the upper body is still descending towards the earth because of the movement through the hip joints. Such movement is derived from anatomical knowledge and the basic mechanics of the physical body.
Blossoming into the Dynamic Self
There are many advantages to embarking upon the exploration of the dynamics of the yogasanas that present the practitioner with an exciting opportunity to work on the body on an intimate and safe level. Many of the dynamic postures vary in intensity and focus which makes it is very easy to transition a practice from gentle supportive movement to highly rigorous and strenuous postures. Therefore we consider the dynamic yogasana program a practical and effective practice for anyone of any level that is looking to evolve their body and mind toward great balance, harmony, and health.
Considering the complexity and diversity of movements available within the body there are seemingly and infinite number of postures and sequences we can create within the dynamic yogasanas that can work with the particular needs of the body. Every human body is different and therefore everyone requires their own unique adjustments and movements that will best support their own unique mind/body structure. It is here that body knowledge comes into effect as the practitioner learns to listen to the needs of their body and make adjustments to the movements and postures that are in accordance with their physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs.
Body knowledge is important because it leads to the full expression of the Dynamic Self in a health and constructive way. Therefore when we are working with the yogasanas we should try to shape the postures and movements around the present needs of the body as opposed to some particular rigid structure or formulated series of postures. It cannot be doubted that structure sequence of yogasanas I beneficial, especially when the sequences have been designed well with a particular goal in mind (such as those proposed in yoga therapy), but problems arises when one tries to apply sequences that are counterintuitive to the present needs and structural needs of the body. Likewise we must not neglect the mental aspect of the practice either as our mind and emotions also require attention without which we will find ourselves in a state of imbalance or disunity. Hence when we are designing our yogasana practice we should base the practice around the dynamic needs of the self and make adjustment according to those needs. It seems to happen far too often in yoga classes where either a student or teacher is forcing the student into postures that exceed the limits of the body or are unreceptive to the present needs of the self. When this occurs the student will typically end up with physical pain, mental imbalance, or emotional instability.
The philosophy of the yogasanas is centered on yoga, or union, and therefore this should be our central goal when we practice the yogasanas. Of course union can involve the elements strength, flexibility, and vitality but these qualities should not appear at the expense of sustainable and expanding unity. When we are unifying through the dynamic yogasanas we are working to create movements that are guiding the body towards health and stability while simultaneously focusing upon bring the mind into connection with all the aspects of the body. The mental dynamic of the practice is just as important as the physical as part of the union we are trying to create within the yogasanas is a union between the physical, mental, energetic, emotional, and spiritual bodies.
When creating movement through the dynamic yogasanas our major intention is to focus upon shaping a practice that is stimulating the revelation of the Dynamic Self. As the Dynamic Self begins to intuitively express itself through the practice qualities such as power, flexibility, and stamina begin to unfold. These qualities which were otherwise forced by an imbalanced self awareness are spontaneously developed in a manner that is fun, safe, and harmonizing for the life triad of the mind, body, and spirit.
