As part of my upcoming satsung this coming Sunday, we were asked to choose a sadhana (spiritual practice) for the next 30 days. My first thought was that this would be a good opportunity to start a meditation practice. For months now the thought of being able to meditate and quiet my mind has been very appealing to me. A little unsure of what I’m supposed to “do” exactly has left me procrastinating on this experience. My upcoming sadhana seemed like an opportune time to give it a try.
However, for some reason the thought of meditation for sadhana just didn’t seem right. I didn’t know if it was the timing, uncertainty and fear, or maybe just some frustration but although the thought of meditation sounded good, it wasn’t calling out to me. Something about it just wasn’t right. However, rather than stress or worry about it, I knew that if I was patient, the right answer would eventually appear.
With that in mind, yesterday a dear friend, yogi, and fellow blogger wrote something in her blog that (as is often the case when I read her blog) just clicked in my mind and a light bulb went off. I hope she doesn’t mind that I quote her but she said in regards to her sadhana, “I’ve struggled with finding something that is expressive of my yoga as opposed to doing something sheerly for someone else’s benefit. I am working to look inward and perfect mySelf…” I began thinking to myself, “What do I need most in my life that a sadhana can help me with? What am I struggling with the most? What is it that I truly need right now?”
Two things immediately came to mind:
1) Current struggles with feelings of depression, confusion, and loneliness.
2) Difficulties recently with shoulder stand. (Mentally it just feels like I’m not doing it correctly although physically my instructors see nothing wrong)
Although I was trying to stay away from choosing an asana pose for my sadhana, I decided to google shoulder stand anyway to see what more I could learn about it. The results surprised me… Shoulder stands (Salamba Sarvangasana in Sanskrit) are considered the Queen (or Mother) of Asanas. As B.K.S. Iyengar states, “It is the “mother of asana,” as a mother strives for harmony and happiness in the home, so this asana strives for the harmony and happiness of the human system. It is a cure-all for most common ailments.” Sarvangasana (and inversions in general) are very beneficial to the body. Physically, they help purify the blood, improves circulation, stimulates the lymphatic system, etc. On an emotional and mental level, by turning ourselves upside down in inversions, it can help shine a new light on old habits or behaviors. Sarvangasana can help reduce anxiety, stress, anger, and depression. Individuals who practice sarvangasana regularly “feel new vigor and strength, and will be happy, confident and at peace. New life will flow into them; their mind will be at peace and will feel the joy of life.” (http://www.sunandmoonstudio.com/Articles/headstand.html)
I also read another powerful statement and although it was in regards to Parshva Sarvangasana (Side Shoulder Stand), it applies just as much to all variations of Sarvangasana. “…the shoulders and arms remain rooted to the earth while the legs extend toward the horizon, reaching out to touch infinity. This suggests the true purpose of yoga: to be grounded while simultaneously stretching into the vastness of the unexplored Self. To do yoga is to be fully rooted in the present while at the same time embracing the possibilities of the future–a state in which we are both being and becoming.” (http://ezinearticles.com/?Yoga-and-Side-Shoulder-Stand—Go-Beyond-Asana-to-Reach-Infinity&id=1431457)
A sarvangasana practice is definitely the right choice for me for my 30 day sadhana. Prior to writing this post, I decided to give it a shot to see how it felt. I went into my bedroom, turned off the lights, played some soft, gentle music, and began. I did sarvangasana for a few minutes, decided to add in a few forward folds and hip openers that just felt right at the moment, and ended with savansana. Although I learned 2 lessons (include a warm-up first and use a blanket to reduce strain on my neck), my practice session was definitely a success! I felt much more centered, relaxed, and happy and all it took was about 10-15 minutes!!
This is definitely what mySelf needs. I am looking forward to my sadhana and the benefits I will be blessed with.
Sarvangasana… To infinity and beyond.
Namaste.
Namaste,
I’m honored you named me as a dear friend and I’m happy for you to have found your 30day sadhana. I’m still struggling with mine, but to be quite honest the thing that may be most helpful, I am a bit fearful of. I just feel certain it will be a challenge, and I’m not certain I’m ready to face that challenge. We will see what tomorrow inspires me to do. I loved the quote about inversions, it was so uplifting, it made me want to do a headstand in the middle of reading your post! Thank you, see you tomorrow!
Yoginiray,
I have no doubt that you will find the appropriate and most beneficial sadhana practice for you. If it should be this challenge you fear, we will be here to support and cheer you on. But you also know what is best for you so choose something you feel comfortable with.
For me, as simple as doing a daily shoulder stand sounds, it somehow still feels like a daunting task. For some reason, I have had a mental block while performing this asana in class the last few weeks. I am excited yet a little afraid to explore this asana and find out the reason why.
I found it very interesting that you mentioned doing a headstand. While a shoulder stand is considered the Queen of Asanas, the headstand is considered the King. Headstands heat the body, shoulder stands cool the body. Headstands represents will power, determination, sharpness of the brain, and clarity of thought whereas shoulder stands represent patience and emotional stability. Isn’t that so interesting? I was very surprised when I learned this. It’s amazing how simple yet complex yoga is/can become.
Look forward to seeing you today! 🙂
Namaste