The Asanas Definition
The first time I came on a yoga mat I believed that I understood the definition of asanas. I thought that they were just physical postures, a sort of stretching of the flexible individuals. But my travelling opened my eyes to show that I was only half-ploughing. A deeper understanding of the word asana implies a practice of unity, steadiness, and conscious awareness. It is a dialogue between your body and your breathing which is a moving meditation that has changed my life completely. You should know what I have learned about this beautiful old custom.
What, then, is the definition of asanas?
The term asana (pronounced, in its most literal use, as ah-suh-nuh) translates to seat or pose in Sanskrit. The most frequent meaning of it is the physical positions we do in yoga. But to confine it to being a pose is to lose all its meaning.
According to my perception, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the classical text gives an understanding of asana, Sthira Sukham Asanam. This is translated to a comfortable and constant position. This was a revelation for me. It is not about using your body to model a perfect, Instagram-worthy body. It has to do with striking a balance between hard work and relaxation, intensity and submission, however it comes to gracefully embrace in your body. When you cease to do the pose but rather to be in the pose, this is an asana.
My Physical Posture Beyond the Physical.
My practice was external only over the years. In Downward Dog, I paid attention to the depth of my forward bend or whether or not my heels were touching the floor. I had lost the point altogether.
The Bridge between Body and Mind.
The magic actually began when I began to tie my movement with my breath. My teacher would tell me, the breath is the means through which you get into the asana. This changed all things with me. Breathing had turned into a gesture of making a space and a longness; breathing out had turned into a gesture of giving up and going down deeper. It is this conscious association that makes the difference between a yoga asana and calisthenics. It is a poignant meditation which makes the clatter in my head silence and makes me present.
The Practice Layer of the Energy.
I then started to experience something else, a subtle energy, or prana, flowing through me as I further practiced. This energy appeared to be affected by different asanas in different ways. Backbends were invigorating and uplifting, forward bends were relaxing and contemplative. This realization brought in a new dimension. I was not only stretching my muscles but also controlling my inner power and mood.
The Unbelievable Perks I Have Gotten through an Interested Asana Practice.
The choice to perform asana has been among the best choices I ever made to be healthy holistically. The advantages have been physical and life-altering.
Increased Physical Strength and Flexibility: This is the most evident advantage, but one that is essential. I am more solid, my backache is gone, and I do go through my everyday life in a new light grace and ease.
Acuter Mental Ability and Less Stress: It is the type of focused breathing needed in every pose that fills my nervous system as a reset button. My mood after a session is relaxed, focused and capable of facing challenges with a clear mind.
Better Body Awareness and Posture: I am now extremely conscious of the habits and imbalance of my body. The realization makes me sit and stand in a more appropriate position and I will avoid ache and pain in the future.
Much did I find of inner peace: My couch is now my refuge. It is the place that I visit to forget about the outside world and get back to myself. The habit has equipped me with the means of dealing with anxiety and the development of a lifelong sense of tranquility.
How to Start Your Own Asana Journey.
Feeling inspired? This is my practical advice on how you can be able to start your own practice with the right foundation.
Start Where You Are
To begin yoga, you do not have to be flexible. I certainly wasn’t! The asanas are beautiful in that they are flexible. Employ aids such as blocks, straps, they are not aids, they are genius in aiding you to achieve correct posture and comfort.
Focus on Breath Over Shape
This is my number one tip. Let your breath be your guide. When finding it hard to breath deeply and comfortably in a pose, you are most likely straining. Relax until you have managed to take a regular breath. The pose will follow.
Listen to Your Body, Always
This is the first principle that is most important. Your bodily is your greatest instructor. It will know to you what a healthy stretch is and what pain is sharp and dangerous. Honor its messages. Mindful practice of asana never deals with competition and ego.
A Peek at Conventional Asana Families.
In a nutshell to provide you with an understanding, here is a brief overview of some of the basic forms of asanas and what they can provide:
Standing Poses (e.g., warrior I, II): these are the foundation of a good practice. They strengthen my legs, enhance my balance, and endow me with the feeling of security and solidness.
Balancing Poses (e.g., Tree Pose): These are the postures that come to learn directly about focus and concentration. They calm down my head since when my mind digresses, I stumble!
Forward Folds (e.g., Seated Forward Bend): They are very relaxing. They relax my nervous system, ease my back and hamstrings, and make me look inward.
Backbends (e.g., Cobra Pose): these are unbelievable heart-openers. Sitting all day causes me to slouch down, so they help counteract this, they make me feel more energized, and may be incredibly refreshing on my mood.
Happy Ending: Welcome, Your Mat.
I wish that my experience has made you understand the real rich asanas definition. It is not just another physical exercise. It is an all round practice of body, breathing and mind. It is an autobiography, which confronts you in your time. Your bed is a test tube of self discovery. Unwind it, and take a deep breath, and see what you get. The transformation awaits.