Yoga is a system of techniques created to help individuals improve their lives. To reap the full benefits of this spiritual science, it is vital that the yogi understand the proper way to perform a given technique as well as its practical benefits. Without this information the practice of yoga is nothing more than a temporary endorphin release @ best or, if done improperly, an injury. To give an example of how a technique can be utilized for maximum benefit, I've chosen a posture we practiced earlier today along with its modified form.
In order to practice Half-Locust (Ardha-salabhasan), you begin lying on your stomach, chin to the floor, make fists with both hands and place them on either side of the pubic region. Spread the legs into a V-position and slowly raise the left leg as high as is comfortable without bending the knee. Hold for a slow count to 10. Lower the leg. Repeat on the right side.
Some of the benefits of this posture include: Tones the stomach and back muscles. Strengthens the thigh muscles. Tones the sympathetic nervous system.
In order to practice Half-Locust (Ardha-salabhasan), you begin lying on your stomach, chin to the floor, make fists with both hands and place them on either side of the pubic region. Spread the legs into a V-position and slowly raise the left leg as high as is comfortable without bending the knee. Hold for a slow count to 10. Lower the leg. Repeat on the right side.
Some of the benefits of this posture include: Tones the stomach and back muscles. Strengthens the thigh muscles. Tones the sympathetic nervous system.
When we practice Full-Locust (Salabhasan) we begin the same way, but instead of lifting one leg @ a time, we lift them both and hold for a count of 10, breathing naturally. If you feel strained, do not hold the posture. Yoga is not a competition. It is to be practiced with full attention without tension otherwise, there is no benefit. When this posture is practiced properly, the benefits are the same as the modification.
Each yogic posture also affects a correlating chakra. Locust and half-locust affect the Jupiter (sacral) chakra. (See illustration by clicking this link.) Often, to further enhance the positive affect on a particular chakra, the yogi might mentally repeat an affirmation that also correlates to the same chakra. For instance, while holding the locust position, you might try mentally repeating an affirmation like, "I can afford to wait if I am ahead of my time." or "The secret to success is not asking for more, but using what I already have." thus balancing the Jupiter chakra and setting the intent firmly in the subconscious mind.
Every posture is not for everyone. In the practice of yoga, everyone practices the yama and niyamas, but not everyone practices all the postures. Know your body and know the postures. Seek out a knowledgeable instructor and map out a personal program that meets your individual requirements. Always inform your instructor if you are having difficulty with a posture. Nothing is gained by injuring yourself. You are not a failure if you do not master a particular posture. If the posture does not serve you, find another technique that does.
Yoga is more than just exercise. It affects your entire being on many levels. Self-improvement begins by doing the best you can. Start from whatever point you are @, and be mindful to keep a positive attitude.
Shanti,
S.
Each yogic posture also affects a correlating chakra. Locust and half-locust affect the Jupiter (sacral) chakra. (See illustration by clicking this link.) Often, to further enhance the positive affect on a particular chakra, the yogi might mentally repeat an affirmation that also correlates to the same chakra. For instance, while holding the locust position, you might try mentally repeating an affirmation like, "I can afford to wait if I am ahead of my time." or "The secret to success is not asking for more, but using what I already have." thus balancing the Jupiter chakra and setting the intent firmly in the subconscious mind.
Every posture is not for everyone. In the practice of yoga, everyone practices the yama and niyamas, but not everyone practices all the postures. Know your body and know the postures. Seek out a knowledgeable instructor and map out a personal program that meets your individual requirements. Always inform your instructor if you are having difficulty with a posture. Nothing is gained by injuring yourself. You are not a failure if you do not master a particular posture. If the posture does not serve you, find another technique that does.
Yoga is more than just exercise. It affects your entire being on many levels. Self-improvement begins by doing the best you can. Start from whatever point you are @, and be mindful to keep a positive attitude.
Shanti,
S.
RSS Feed