Being mindful and fully aware while doing Yoga is very important to get the full benefit of all the poses. These poses are nothing but imitation of all the living and non living things. For example we have Marjarasana (tiger), Ustrasana (camel), Shalabhasana (locust), Utkatasana (chair), Halasana (plough) etc. So how many asanas (poses) are there? Can you guess?
While doing these poses, let the awareness be on the part of the body being stretched, compressed, twisted. If there is any unnecessary tightness anywhere, let go of it.
Then gently bring awareness to the breath. Initially breath might be fast and irregular. As more and more we become aware of our breath, consciously slow it down. Let the breathing be rhythmic.
We will see ourselves totally relaxing in the final pose. Wow! imagine being relaxed in a pose where some part of the body is absolutely stretched or compressed. This is Yoga.
Beautiful statement by the Yoga Guru Patanjali "Yogah chitta vritti nirodhah".
Once scanning of breath and body is done, let us move onto the next step, "Thoughts". Visualise a happy moment in your life. Let your imagination flow while you are in the pose. You will see yourself so peaceful that the initial uncomfortable feeling in the body will be released consciously. This state of total harmony and peace of mind while in the pose is termed as "Ananta Samapati".
Gently without any jerks, come out of the pose and relax consciously for some time enjoying the after effect of the pose. Scan the muscle which has been stretched. Let it relax. Only then you move onto the next pose.
A brief summary while in the pose
- Awareness of body
- Release any tensed muscle
- Awareness of breath
- Visualisation
We might have done a pose several times, but if Yoga is done this way with total awareness of body, breath and mind then it is Mindful Yoga and the after effect of this cannot be described in words. ☺
My Guru Shri. N.V.Raghuramji always says, "Yoga is not a work out, but actually we are working in".
Do share your experience to motivate others. ☺
Compiled by,
Prabha Krishna
Yogabharati, Bangalore.