Both "doing and being" have merit. The world would be a very different place if everyone was simply being and not doing. In fact, some so-called experts feel this is precisely the issue that has caused our world financial crisis---not enough doing and too many simply being, thereby creating a drain on the world's economy. But beyond the financial and political repercussions, when we lack balance between doing and being, we miss out on the benefits of the big picture of life---the balance between doing and being.
In the practice of classical yoga, for example, if we concern ourselves primarily with the doing of poses---called asana---and forget to include the other seven components or ingredients, we are not really practicing yoga. When we omit the "being" part we're only going to get physical results and some of those results may even be harmful! We are changing the yoga recipe if we're not using all eight of the ingredients or tools that help us to connect, know and surrender to our God. All eight threads are necessary to achieve the yoking process, which include the ethical disciplines called yamas, the rules of conduct called niyamas (Christians use the Ten Commandments given to Moses on stone tablets), control of the breath called pranayama, withdrawal of the senses called pratyahara, concentration or complete absorption called dharana, the transformation into the object of devotion called dhyana (Christians refer to this as becoming Christ-like), and finally the complete surrender to God called samadhi. That's why true yoga is referred to as a journey or a practice that leads to something bigger and broader than a fit physical body and an aware mind.
This week while practicing the challenging physical posture---or your best variation of this pose---called "Revolved Bound Side Angle Pose" or Parivrtta Baddha Parsvakonasana, practice patience as you spend time simply being in each phase of this twisted and bound position. Since this position requires both axial extension and axial rotation of the spine with powerful leverage created in the bound position it definitely is not safe for prenatal students!
- Physically---Before attempting any variation of this advanced, asymmetrical standing twist it is crucial to prepare the physical body by first practicing the breath-synchronized flows that were described in last week's blog. Be slow and patient with the process of being in the preparation poses.
- From the intense stretch of Parsvartanasana, exhale the right knee directly over the right ankle and place the left bended elbow on the right knee. Inhale to extend the right arm straight up and over the right shoulder as the spine extends first and then twists to the right. Since the lower lumbar spine is basically incapable of axial rotation, the actual twisting to the right will occur primarily in the thoracic and cervical spine, much like a spiral staircase that begins at the waist and curves or rotates upward toward the head. Patiently remain in this variation of "Revolved Side Angle Pose" to allow the spine and connecting muscles to relax and expand. Practice the fifth limb, pratyahara, by closing the eyelids lightly to shut out the visual distractions. After being in this preparation for at least five slow and rhythmic, three-dimensional (ujjayi) breaths, slowly exhale the right arm down and behind the back, with the palm facing outward to reach toward the inner right thigh. Gaze over the right shoulder (parsva drishti) for at least five more slow and deep breaths to spend time just being in this second phase of "Revolved Bound Side Angle Pose" or Parivrtta Baddha Parsvakonasana, but without the strain of the binding action.
- After several months, or even years of patiently practicing the preparation and variations of this advanced standing twist, your physical body may become ready to complete the bound version of the posture. It's crucial not to rush or force the spine, muscles and/or joints because of the powerful leverage of any binding action. For this important reason, you may choose to be safe by practicing under the supervision of an experienced and certified yoga instructor who can observe and then guide your body into safe modifications of all bound postures.
- The full version of "Revolved Bound Side Angle Pose" or Parivrtta Baddha Parsvakonasana, requires a great deal of axial extension and rotation in the spine, as well as internal rotation of the shoulders and very open pelvic action. In this powerful standing twist, the hand of the top arm reaches down and toward the front thigh as the bottom left hand reaches under and behind the right knee to connect with the right hand or wrist. Always prepare both sides of the body equally and notice a difference between the left and right sides of the body as you patiently practice being in your best version of this challenging posture.
- Mentally---Practice complete and focused absorption (dhyana) of the mind on each deep and rhythmic breath while waiting patiently as the body journeys through various phases of bound poses. Allow the eyelids to close lightly (pratyahara) in order to shut out visual distractions and prevent possible physical injury from excess concern about how the pose looks. Simply enjoy being in your best version of this pose.
- Spiritually---Bound poses always remind me of the inherent danger that accompanies being bound to anything or anyone, especially to a destructive force or desire. Therefore, always exercise caution when being bound in any way. Jesus gave us the secret to handle any bondage to our human desires, and His words and promise were recorded twice in the Book of Matthew:
