Creating space through your asana practice creates space within the body and allows internal cellular activity to flow. Equally when we create space with the body it will bring more space or shall we say clarity to the mind. And once there is space there is prana - the vital life force, once there is prana there is wellness. Also once there is space there is room for the connections to become strong and information or chita also to flow for example the chemical information, neuro transmitters, magnetic energy and hormones etc to make YOGA happen in the body or union of that prana and chita. Finding that space through asana practice allows healing to happen, not just for the physical body but for the whole uphadi - the body mind system. Once healing has occurred we can start to go beyond, as essentially yoga is about the realization of the self, find space, heal and then continue to know the truth of who you are.
The diagram above is beautifully demonstrating the Halasan or plough pose, it is an inverted forward bending position which as you can see stretches and creates space through the whole back and spine. Increased flexibility is attained not only through the spine and back but also through the hamstrings, calf muscles and achilles and even the sole of the foot. The spine and all the spinal nerves are nourished with richly oxygenated blood and there is a lot of tension released from the mid back or cervical region and the shoulder region. As we find space through the back of the body there is a compression to the front - which gives a deep massage to the internal organs especially the digestive system allowing great regulation and therefore detoxing the system and releasing tensions held in the stomach - maybe accumulated through stress. As the space increases the prana starts to flow without interruption and we can observe what happens to our thoughts. I find halasan a deeply calming asana, I love the connection between my shoulders and the mat and then again the sense of flow through the back until there is connection again at the balls of my feet and my toes. When I have become anxious it is this asana that really seems to soothe and bring clarity back as the breath deepens that sense of nurturing really increases, it is almost that I feel that those internal clouds that start to gather really do start to disperse and allow the flow that brings freshness and clarity back. It allows me to really take my attention internally and let go of the external experience. Or if I find that sleeping has become difficult again this pose after holding some time and breathing deeply through the body allows me to climb back into a restful sleep without any internal disruptions. All postures have their purpose and open up certain elements within us, and we find out over time when we have experience of our practice what we will need to nurture us at that moment, to form an intimate relationship with it to create space and become grounded, calm and with inner peace of mind, energy and body.
Always practice under the guidance of a suitable teacher, with the suitable warm ups and sequence before attempting any challenging practice.
Know what nurtures you, know what nourishes you, recognize what you need, your strengths, your weaknesses and how your strengths can help you overcome the weakness. What are your aims and find in your practice that clarity that will take you there.
Enjoy, have beautiful practice and take care of yourselves always
AUM shanti shanti shanti
Mangala / Nicky
