Every thought, emotion, and action from every experience leaves an imprint on the physical body. Spiritually, the physical body is a projection of our human experience, and a sacred temple in which to explore, and expand our consciousness within. Physically, bones, muscles, joints, etc. differ in size, shape, joints and configuration, and tension in the body differs in location, intensity and its ability to release. These differences make asana alignment challenging in unique ways. Respect the body, and accept the challenges it presents as a unique gift. Perfect asana is achieved through consciously finding accurate alignment for each individual, as well as arriving at an edge, where the asana is filled with integrity, breath, and intention. To explore an asana’s edge, use the breath to feel around in the body, then go a little beyond the edge to explore what comes up emotionally, and spiritually with acceptance and detachment. Then, back off from the edge to explore what comes up for you here. Every asana is dynamic, so dance around its edge and be open to the many gifts each asana has to offer each time it is visited. Practice ahimsa, compassion, by honoring the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual edges that are met while consciously doing battle with blockages, and illusions in the way of finding Truth.
There are some basic principles to finding the most perfect alignment. There is a lot to be discovered through consciousness of breath, it is our life force and guide during asana practice. Breath tells us where we are at. If we have gone too far beyond our edge, the breath will become short, labored, or disappear completely. If we are not quite at our edge, the breath will might lose its tenacity, and strength. Finding the utmost integrity in as asana requires a strong, balanced, and conscious breath where the inhale and exhale are matched with intensity, and depth. Bones are more dense than muscles, making them stronger. Stacking the bones in each asana creates a strong foundation that balances out weight, and effort, more evenly between bone structure and muscle engagement. Balancing the strength and flexibility of antagonistic muscles also ensures proper alignment, as well as prevents tension and strain injuries. Antagonistic muscles work together in opposites such as the quadricep and hamstring. For instance, if the quadricep, or front of the thigh, is not engaged while stretching the hamstring, or back of the thigh, then it is possible to over-stretch, and strain the hamstring. If the hamstring is not engaged to balance out a hamstring stretch, then it is possible to strain the quadricep. Another example is with the antagonistic muscles of the core and back. In a forward bend, the core is engaged so the back muscles can relax and lengthen. In a back bend, the back is engaged so the core can relax and stretch. Back muscles are constantly taking a beating, and are easily prone to tension injuries. Proper bone alignment, and muscle balance can help heal, and prevent further injuries. For instance, in a back strengthening asana such as Warrior III, if the antagonistic muscles of the core are not actively balanced with the muscles of the back, too much tension may build, and result in injury. Consistent engagement of the bundhas, energetic locks, will also help to zip up the asana into proper alignment on a more subtle level. Engagement of the bundhas also help gather up, and shuttle excess energy towards the central energy energy channel, the shushumna nadi, the final energetic channel leading towards enlightenment. Even though enlightenment is rarely realized, bundha activation during asana practice does serve as a great energetic tune-up. Activate and become aware of the whole body to create proper alignment, and optimal flow of energy that feeds all parts of the body, especially the hands and feet. Lastly, proper alignment seeks to balance the principles of sthira and sukha. Sthira is strength, and grounding, while sukha is softness, and expansion. Balancing the forces of sthira and sukha in each asana, creates grace in your practice. Proper alignment is a living, breathing, practice. It takes many years to integrate all the many principles of proper alignment into a practice, and the journey is the reward.
