This week we strike a pose at Sunshine.
Asana is the third limb of yoga, according to the eight-limbed path outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. This eight-limbed path was designed to help practitioners reach enlightenment through mindful living, self-discipline, and meditation. It is considered the third limb because it follows Yama (ethical restraints) and Niyama (observances). The purpose of this limb is to prepare the body for meditation by developing mental focus, physical health, and emotional stability. Many people practice only asana without delving into other aspects of yoga, such as Pranayama (breathwork), Dharana (concentration), or Dhyana (meditation).
Asana is defined in Patanjali’s writings as a “steady, pleasant posture.” This means that when practicing asanas, we should strive for steadiness, ease, and comfort in our postures—not striving for perfection or pushing ourselves too hard physically. In yoga, asanas are physical postures that help us achieve balance, strength, flexibility, and relaxation. Asanas are often held for several breaths at a time and can range from simple seated positions to complex handstands.
Yoga is more than just physical postures; it also involves an inner science that helps us understand ourselves on a deeper level. Through self-study (Svadhyaya), we uncover hidden truths about our true nature and learn how to become more mindful and aware of our thoughts, feelings, and actions. We also gain insight into how we can make positive changes in our lives so that we can live with greater ease and joy.
Benefits of Yoga Poses
Yoga poses have many benefits for both the body and mind. On a physical level, they help tone muscles, improve posture, reduce stress levels, increase energy levels, and even aid in digestion! On an emotional level, they help cultivate self-awareness and acceptance by teaching us to be present with whatever arises in each moment—whether it’s joy or pain—without judgment or attachment.
While traditional exercise focuses mainly on strengthening muscles through repetitive movements, yoga focuses on connecting movement with breath work which brings awareness to both body and mind. This connection creates a meditative state which has calming effects on both the body and mind allowing for greater clarity when making decisions throughout your day-to-day life. Additionally, regular practice helps free up blocked energy in areas where we hold tension, such as our neck, shoulders, or hips, allowing us to feel lighter in our bodies overall!
Be Present
Postures help us to be present in Yoga. One way to deepen your practice is by being present with every breath during your poses rather than thinking about what comes next or letting your mind wander off into unrelated thoughts or memories from earlier in the day. This presence allows you to really connect with yourself on a deeper level which may reveal things you didn’t even know were there!
Stay Grounded
The postures keep you grounded. Rooted poses like mountain pose (Tadasana) help ground you physically while calming poses like child’s pose (Balasana) bring peace mentally by helping you stay connected with your true nature – something no amount of external stimulation can give you!
Matching each inhale/exhale cycle with a movement helps keep your focus on your breath while also connecting each pose together, creating one continuous flow instead of having them feel disjointed from one another! This connection between breath & movement allows us to access deeper states within ourselves when practiced consistently over time, leading us closer towards liberation and freedom within ourselves and ultimately realizing who we truly are underneath all our layers!
As you can see, there is much more to yoga postures than just physical movement—they have the power to transform us both mentally and physically if practiced correctly with awareness and intentionality. So next time you find yourself on your mat ready for a yoga class or home session, be sure to take some time beforehand to set an intention for your practice so you can get the most out of its calming effects! And remember, no matter what type of poses you practice (Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, or Restorative), all yoga poses should be done with effort and ease to fit your ability.
New to the studio? There is still time to take advantage of our 2023 special, we will give new members 50% off the first month of membership. Book your class and use coupon code 2023 at checkout. Set yourself up for success and spend a little time each week building a healthier body and a stronger mind. Here is a link to our schedule.
Our in-person 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training is full, but no worries, The online version is ready for you to start today! Our Yoga Alliance-approved school has Yoga, and our Aerial Yoga Training with 100% virtual sessions you can take from your phone, tablet, and computer. Check out more on Sunshine School of Yoga here.
On the 10th and 11th of February, we have some wonderful workshops available. Mallory will have a Sound Bath, and Jennifer and Cindy will have am Aerial Yin and Nidra. Sign up soon, as space is limited. Book your event here.
Go deeper into your yoga poses this week and book your classes today or log on to our Sunshine Yoga Shack app.
Love and Light,
Lynn