When practicing Asana, it’s important to be aware of the origins and meaning of the practice. “Asana” means “seat”, and originally it was the seat that the Yogi sat on during meditiation. Meditation is the next step in the process of focusing for the release of energy (see “Philosophy” page). In Hatha Yoga, we begin the focus on the body (Asana), on the breath (Pranayama), for the release of the energy of who we really are through the vehicles of the body and the breath. For the Yogi, this is merely the prelude to the deeper focus (Dharana) and release of energy that is meditation (Dhyana).

     We are attached to physical things, like the body, because we can feel and take comfort in their solidity: we can hold them. But all physical objects die, or disappear. In Asana, we generate a feeling that we can’t touch because it isn’t physical. It is energy, and that means it will never disappear or die: it is ours forever - it is who we really are.

Asana is meant to prepare the body for meditation by making it an appropriate “seat” of support. Asana is meant to release energy so freely through the body that there can be no distraction, due to discomfort (a state of “Pratyahara” - “withdrawal of the senses”, or “warm and fuzzy”), that would inhibit the focus of Meditation. So we don’t meditate to relax, we must be relaxed before we can meditate.

    So, maybe we don’t meditate. So? We understand that we are not “exercising” when we practice Asana, nor are we just “stretching”, nor auditioning for the circus! We are finding a way to release into extension, without straining, and to relax as we extend, without the usual collapse. Relax without collapse, extend without strain. That’s a tall order, but we do it every morning, or we should, when we stretch before we get out of bed. Pay attention at that time, because that’s perfect Asana! The body is in control, and it knows the wisdom of reaching for pleasure as guidance - the mind hasn’t awakened yet (which is why we don’t remember stretching), to begin abusing us with what it thinks we should do!   

    These postures (“asanas”) aren’t finished products, but are ongoing processes. They are works in progress as we are in them, live, and breathe in them. They never stop, they are never “finished” - constant adjustment, reaching for greater openness, extension, freedom, joy and pleasure.

    What happens when your breath or your heartbeat becomes a finished product? You die, don’t you? And for your inner being, that is a great and glorious time, when all suffering ends. But let’s face it, back here on Earth, you’re “stinkin’ the place up”, as the body remains!

    So, let’s not stink the place up!  Let’s practice as if there were no end to opening and extending and experiencing joy through this breath and this body in this posture, because there is no end to it!