|
AWAKEN THE SPINE
This breath and movement sequence, also known as the "cat/cow," releases energy stored in the spine and in the subtle body known as the sushumna nadi. Through undulating movement we contact the essence of the spine including the spinal fluids which help us to literally wake up. Crouching on all fours like a cat, this sequence leads us into awareness of our organic animal body. Connecting the breath to the spinal movement brings us to a place of total mind/body integration. The spiral swirl of energy depicted in this image connects us to the infinite.
The Bow (DHANURASANA)
Yoga means the process of joining together and Yoga practice aims to bring about integration on all levels. When the hands clasp the feet in Bow pose, unity is born from the limbs.Bow exemplifies the qualities that are needed for completion:openness, flexibility, faith, courage and strength. image connects us to the infinite.
The Yoga Sutras say that postures should be both firm and soft: sthira/sukha. These qualities are apparent in this deep backbend that relies on the belly for balance. Bow invites us through the gate of the body to ponder the treasures held within.
FOOTPRINT ON THE SKY
The tremendous backward bend of eka pada urdva dhanurasana (one leg upward bow pose) cultivates stamina and poise. The backward fold of the body creates an archway and a vitality in the back body. The upwardly stretched leg projects out into space as though leaving a footprint on the sky. The arms and standing leg support the core body through contact with the earth so that we feel held in the space between earth and sky. As we begin to cultivate these strong and advanced poses our confidence and connection to all of life increases.
HALF MOON POSE (ARDHA CHANDRASANA)
Chandra is the golden moon god also known as Soma. This Soma is the elixir of immortality drunk by the gods. The posture of adha chandrasana (half moon pose) celebrates the waxing and waning of the moon and the cyclic nature of life. In this image of a woman practicing beneath the moon we remember the powerful unconscious forces that the moon energy symbolizes. She gains strength from the moon as she balances upon one leg. Her arms help guide her as she moves sideways. Through the line of both arms she links earth to sky and basks in the warm glow of the full moon.
GATEWAY (PARIGHASANA)
Gateway asana is a Yoga pose that encourages transformation. Practice of this intense side stretch takes us beyond our daily lives, stretching our boundaries and helping us to move past limitations. Kneeling on one leg, Parighasana teaches us how to remain grounded while reaching for our dreams. The arc of the body is a passageway between the earth and sky, connecting the elements of nature present within us. Through Yoga practice the gate opens. Obstacles on our path dissolve and the spirit soars. In this posture the peripheries of the body/mind are explored, taking us into new territory.
SAGE'S POSE (BHARADVAJASANA)
This contemporary rendition of Sage’s pose incarnates Bharadrava in female form, invoking the wisdom of the sacred feminine. The sage is relied upon for offering well-rounded advice and for helping aspirants to see clearly by illuminating all sides of a situation. This type of non-linear thinking has long been associated with the feminine and is represented here in the spinal twist of this sage.
Without beginning or end, the spiral represents eternal time. When energy in the body is harnessed through the central axis (sushumna nadi) the left and right hemispheres (lunar and solar nadis) become balanced and meditation results. As her spine twists, Sage demonstrates the potential for flexible thinking in unusual situations.
THE EAGLE (GARUDANSANA)
Garuda, the Hindu deity with a bird face and human body, is known as Lord of the Birds. The God Vishnu rides upon this winged creature who, with his eagle-like vision, sees far and wide. In yoga practice this posture makes a human spiral out of the body. Both the arms and legs wrap around each other creating a figure eight containing the life energy of the spiral within. Both outer and inner spirals need to be maintained in order to find the balance and integrity of the pose. Through this balance we feel our natural radiance and affirmation for all of life.
UPWARD FACING DOG SMILING (SVANASANA)
Dog-like nature is honored in this beautiful warm-hearted pose. Many Yoga asanas are inspired by different kinds of creatures, from reptiles and fish to mammals and birds. Some of the most complex asanas to perform are those based on animal forms. It becomes clear through Yoga practice that animals have much to teach us and that what comes naturally to the dog must be learned by the human.
TREE (VRKSASANA)
The Tree is our great teacher. An ancient symbol of regeneration in many cultures, it acts as a link between the underworld, the earth and the heavens. The roots coming up through the earth represent the unconscious or hidden aspects of the self emerging into light. The mystical teachings of the Jewish Kabbalah see the tree as a metaphor for the human body.
|
