51 Days Yoga Consciousness Series 2nd May-21st June 2021

Namaste All My Yoga Yaatris! May Yog Bless You!

Knowledge of Yoga is infinite, boundless and timeless. “Learning Yoga is an everlasting journey that leads you within and Within is where you find the world of immortal bliss”. –Mitraasha

The idea behind running this 51 Days Yoga Consciousness series is to proffer my modest learnings and share the divine pearls of Yoga science with people at large. Let’s have a conjoint intent to learn, implement and extend the wisdom of Yoga with a positive co-action and harmonious reverberation amongst each other.

Meditative Asanas

Hundreds of different asanas are performed in yogic practice, however it is stated all these asanas came into being elementally to support the Yogi develop the strength and resilience to sit and stay in one of the classic meditative postures for long and accelerate on the journey of finding the final objective of Yoga!

Meditation is the asana for the mind. A meditative posture incites a prayerful state and a meditative practice takes your mind in quietude. Sitting for long is not the motive, it is about the reconstituting of the swaying mind to a state of calmness and the reverberations of tranquility, peace that precipitates as a result of practising in the meditative posture. There develops mindfulness and a realization of being in the present is instilled. 

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras on Dharana states: ‘Deśa bandhasya cittasya dhāranā’, which means- “Dharana is when the mind stuff is held concentrated in one place”, and on Dhyana it says: ‘Tatra pratyaya eka tānatā dhyānam’, which translates as – “Then (when the mind force) is held onto that one essence/place for an extended/continuous duration is dhyana.”

Note

  • For someone who is a beginner, it may take a while before he/she gets comfortable and accustomed in the posture. For them, it is advised to start practicing for a smaller duration and when proficient, gradually increase the time. Initially the mind may get distracted time and again, however try gently bringing it’s focus back on your breath or the chosen external/internal point/object of focus/concentration.
  • Once you are well composed and settled in the posture, gently close your eyes, ease down your facial muscles and subtly notice your breath. Starting from about 10 to 20 minutes each day and gradually expanding the duration as per your time, need, capacity and willingness will be fruitful in the long run.
Today’s Meditative Posture Is: 

Sukhasana—The Easy or Pleasant Posture

Sukhasana is one of the very elementary, straightforward posture to experience the life force in peace and can be held for an extended period of time with comparatively less effort. It supports the practitioner to achieve stability and calmness within the mind and body. The spiritual aspect is explained through the term ‘sukha’, and ‘kha’ illustrates the significance of connecting with the divine power. 

Limitations / Contraindications 

  1. People with acute forms of arthritis, psychological disorder and depression should avoid doing this. Besides that, no extensive limitations are there and it can be practised easily by everyone.
  2. It can also be performed with small alterations like sitting on a chair with one leg folded for those who find it difficult to do. 

How to Practice? 

  • Roll out a mat on the floor and sit erect without the support of any wall or back rest and legs completely stretched out. 
  • Now pulling one leg in after another, sit cross-legged and maintain both knees at the same distance up from the floor. 
  • Now gently lay your hands on your respective thighs near the knees, palms facing downwards or with a mudra.
  • Keep your body upright and erect, abdomen slightly tucked in or in normal contour, head and neck straight, chin parallel to the floor and body well composed. 
  • Position of the elbows should be such that it is placed comfortably in line with your body, not shoved outwards or pulled inwards, and shoulders relaxed.
  • Stay in this position as much as is comfortable to you, subtly observe your breath and/or concentrate on any object of your choice. 
  • To release the posture, straighten both your legs and bring back to the starting position. 

Benefits

It helps to improve minor postural defects.

It enhances the mobility, flexibility and strength of the lower extremities and gives them a good stretch, especially the hip, thighs, calves, ankles and knee joints.

It increases the awareness and concentration by instilling focus on the coordination between mind and body and helps one remain in more of the present.

Practitioner becomes more mindful and due to a decline in nervous perturbation, there is rise in inner harmony and peace. 

Thought of the day : “A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering.” – Dalai Lama

Link to day 16: Meditative Asana-Sthitaprarthna Asanahttps://kreately.in/day-16-meditative-asana-1-sthita-prarthna-asana-mitraasha/

Link to day 18: Meditative Asana-Siddhasana https://kreately.in/day-18-meditative-asana-siddhasana-mitraasha/

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