By Nora Reda
Integration
The practice of yoga doesn’t necessarily start with asana (posture). Physical practice was originally a vehicle that carried the body to a level of agility that enabled the practitioner to sit in meditative posture for extended periods of time. Practice, as a whole, is intended for integrating the movements with the breath and focusing the mind on both of those actions. Instead of focusing merely on a physical performance, the inquisitive practitioner immerses him or herself in the quality of the breath and the qualities of the mind as he or she attempts and maintains the asanas.
The Meaning of “Asana”
According to T.K.V. Desikachar, son of yoga guru Sri Krishnamacharya, the word asana translates as “to sit”, “to stay”, “to be established in a particular position”. Yet practice means to move in a flow-like sequence and, while doing so, be in the moment, moment to moment. This harmony of motion and mind gives yoga asana practice its meditative quality. In other words what we feel in asana is much more important than how we perceive or care how others might perceive what we do on the mat.
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