The way we often approach asana is with the body. We believe they are physical in essence because, to the naked eye, they work directly on the body. What we learn later on, as we deepen our practice, is that asana is equal parts physical and mental strength, agility, and flexibility.
Being aware of each asana.
The simple act of being aware of each pose is a form of turning asana into meditation. Calling the pose by its name, memorizing the Sanskrit name, these are acts of awareness and worship. Each time you name the pose, your subconscious achieves the pose. It’s all happening in the mind even before it happens in the body.
What feelings are attached to the asana?
Some poses we prefer to others. If we can sit with those feelings and ask ourselves why then we can reach a meditative state. Not only should we welcome our feelings, but we should witness them as they come and go. In this way, we aim for equanimity where we no longer feel anything for the pose and simply become the pose. That is a true representation of meditation, to just be.
What is the body doing?
As our body forms the pose, we should study each body part and what it’s doing. Being so aware of the body is meditation. Much like a body scan in meditation, observing the body’s shape leads to heightened awareness. Look at each part that is visible with the eyes, then tune into the parts your eyes cannot see for a full-body meditation.
What is the mind doing?
The mind is the key player in any meditation. It hopes to convince us of certain ideas by way of pain, suffering, and uncomfortably. It wants us to escape and if we allow it to take charge, we will leave poses before we’ve had any success. In many cases, we don’t try in the first place. Watch the mind. Why does it want us to leave certain poses? Why does it fear to be uncomfortable? And how can you dominate those thoughts in order to find yourself at peace while in a meditative asana position?
Being aware of the breath.
Breathing opens up deep spaces during meditation. It is a way to transmit energy while at the same time allow energies to be still. The same theory applies to asanas. All we have to do is give the breath time to do the work. The breath is our best friend. It is the only thing that is with us our entire lives and never leaves our side. It is here to help us achieve. Listen to the breath, control it, and let it guide. The breath is the force behind which all things are possible. Just believe in the breath and all other channels for success in meditation and asanas will be possible.
