Originally in the scriptures it is written that there were 8,400,000 asanas (Yogic postures.) Imagine trying to go through and remember so many in our self practice! Each one of those asanas key to alignment with the internal space and the external space - & the universe that surrounds us -representing a journey from our simplest form that with desires and attachment to our most subtlest - that with full realization of the true self. Over time the great Yogis and Rishis modifies and reduced the number to the few hundred that are widely known of today, and actually out of these few hundred only 84 are the most useful, and applied in the proper way with intention and awareness begin to open our energy and psychic centres. They are a body map to a higher awareness and existence and provide a stable foundation for exploration of the body, breath, mind and beyond.
One of these 84 is known as Pashchimotanasana - or the seated forward bend. I have always fully appreciated this posture but recently it is like my internal self and body are calling for it. For me I think it is finding the stability that I need being close to the earth and drawing the external energy inward as you fold forwards and really giving a foundation to turn the attention to the inner landscape. It gives me time to really feel a complete stretch taking me to the edge of that stretch and sometimes going beyond, to feel the breath and tune to quietening the mind. I find it incredibly calming and soothing - and gives me space to approach any mental tensions with clarity and allow them to dissipate. It was in this asana and continually repeating this asana to build the awareness of it, muscle and mental strength, that I realized that if a situation also keeps repeating itself somewhere in your life then the lessons that you need to learn from it have not yet been understood, and only when we learn can we break the pattern and move on. Everything we learn on the mat we can apply to our everyday situations and find what we need be it courage or strength or adaptability to deal with what it is and move forward or away. I have a deep love for this posture - maybe you will find it too -
- Sit up with the legs straight out in front of you, feet together and flexing the toes upward toward the sky. Keep the spine straight, top of the head lifted.
- Inhale and reach upward with the arms as much as possible to really find space in the spine and back.
- Retain the stretch then exhale and fold forwards from the hips leading with the chest.
- Keep the legs straight, the knees pushing down toward the mat, keep the back as straight as possible as you fold forward, drawing the abdomen up and inward; this will enable you to fold a little deeper.
- Keep the feet flexed do not permit them to fall outwards, let your hands either rest on your knees, shins, ankles of hold the tops of your feet depending on your flexibility.
- Breathe deeply through the nose.
- Beginners may hold the asana for 30 seconds or so and then inhale as you lift yourself up and out of the pose, you can repeat several times. More advanced students hold for longer periods of time gradually increasing as you progress.
-Make sure that the spine is not rounded and you are leading down with your chest and not the forehead. If you have any low back issues then the knees can be a little bent or place a cushion under them.
-Awareness should be with slow and deep breathing and let that guide you directing the energy inward.
This posture gives a powerful massage and stimulates all of the abdominal viscera, especially the liver and spleen. It tones all the digestive organs and improves digestion. It helps to regulate pancreatic functions which control carbohydrate metabolism and blood sugar levels, it is a very valuable asana for diabetic patients. The entire nervous system is invigorated, joints are mobilised, the spine becomes elastic and body keept youthful. Regular practice helps to bring relief for sciatica and any compression of the spine. It stretches the hamstrings bring elasticity and increases flexibility in the hips. From a pranic point of view over time it allows the vital life force to flow through the sushumna nadi running through the spine unblocking blockages and allowing us to let go of the things that no longer serve us any purpose.
Amazing!
So have a beautiful practice
Love always from the heart and wishing peace throughout the universe
Mangala / Nicky
