Our body is a good body. It may have its aches, pains, and quirks, but all in all, no part of it is "bad". Being sensitive to thoughts like, "I have a bad (fill in the blank), I can't do it as well as they can", or "I'm so inflexible", and consciously changing these thoughts to positive ones like, "I'm strong, I'm present", and "I love my body", will allow the body to heal itself. Here are a few things to be aware of while practicing asana both at home and in the studio:
*Sushumna nadi- this is the center energy line that runs through the body and conveys our life force, or prana. On a physical level, it is very connected to the spine. It's important to keep this energy line as free and open as possible in order to maintain physical and mental health. Twists are particularly helpful in realigning the spine, however it is important to focus on the 6 directions the spine rotates.
*6 directions of the spine (you can do this easily from a comfortable cross legged seat, or any seated variation, including sitting on a chair) ~ forward fold ~ backbend ~ side stretch left ~ side stretch right ~ twist left ~ twist right.
*Fluid body- our physical bodies are made up mostly of liquid. From seated, with eyes closed, picture you are on the bow of a ship or a surfboard and allow your body to move naturally with the waves of energy. Let go of "thinking mind" and focus on "feeling body". Prana will naturally move wherever the body needs it to go.
*Breath- *The most important thing to remember while you're practicing asana is to ENJOY! You are alive, your breathing, and your body is wonderful.
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"From prana indeed all living forms are born and, having been born, they remain alive by prana. At the end they merge into prana once more." ~Kaushitaki Upanishad 3:2
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