Asana

July 7, 2014

Asana

One of the beautiful aspects of yoga and the component of asana or posture, is that it maybe used for many purposes. The primary purpose of asana is to make the body stable so that it may sit in a steady position with an erect spine. Many of the yoga purists who perform asana for the spiritual purpose “poo-poo” those who choose more athletic or physical forms of yoga, whilst those who practice a more physical type of yoga look at the “spiritual” types as weak and in need of a good feed!

The beauty is that it can be approached according to your need, your inclination, your purpose, and your stage in life. Only by trying many different styles can you come to ascertain what is right for you. No one form has the monopoly on yoga. More important than what you do, is that you have been trained well, under the guidance of a qualified teacher who has undertaken sufficient training themselves, and that you maintain a regular practice.

There are times when I choose a very slow Hata yoga routine with a deep inner awareness, whilst at other times the yoga I practice will appear to be more along the lines of a gymnastics or an athletic routine. The purists can keep the purity to themselves! For those who are new to yoga asanas, it maybe easier practicing in a group and practicing a set routine. After a level of competency has been attained, the beauty of asana, is that it can be practiced anywhere.

So grab your mat and go for it. You will work out what suits you very quickly.

In Health and Wellness