Om_Yoga_Magazine__November_2017

om lite

D

o you have a favourite yoga pose? I’m sure we all do!

Unless you’re much more disciplined than I am, the

poses you like are probably based to some degree

on what you are able to do well or easily. Beginners

often enjoy more iconic poses like Warrior 2 and

Tree, exploring the shapes their body can make and embracing the

popular idea of what yoga looks like. After all it can take time to

appreciate the deep feeling of homecoming experienced in a simple-

looking seated posture.

I’m guilty of favouring poses that feel comfortable or strong and

avoiding those that make me feel inflexible or unaccomplished in some

way. And I’ll tell you there’s a long list in this second category. But more

than my actual ability in flexibility, balance, or strength, it’s the stories

I tell myself about what I can or can’t do that leads me to favour one

pose over another. It’s my brain rather than my muscles that needs to

be more flexible. Because in truth my least favourite pose isn’t some

difficult arm balance or any of those pretzel-like shapes that show

up my tight hips. Actually the pose I’d avoid more than any of these

is simple Tadasana (Mountain Pose). And that’s certainly not a pose

that requires great flexibility or balance. It’s the very simplicity of this

shape that makes it difficult for me. How to achieve the elusive balance

of effort and ease, to soften my breath and turn my attention inward

without the physical distraction of a grand shape?

But there’s nothing like teaching others to help overcome one’s

own prejudices and reluctance. Of course I don’t avoid teaching

Mountain Pose in all my classes. Instead I embrace Iyengar’s idea of

“Tadasana in every asana”, suggesting that the subtle actions and

attitude in Tadasana are fundamental for the physical practice in

general. And because I’m a word nerd I like to talk about the name

of the pose and consider how that might help us embody this shape,

rather than standing at the top of the mat and waiting impatiently

for the next pose! What is it really to be a mountain? In the Ashtanga

tradition the pose is called ‘Equal Standing Pose’ (Samasthiti),

reminding us to find balance and even-weighting throughout the

body. In my Sanskrit studies I’ve come across another word for

mountain ‘achela’ which literally means ‘un-wobbling’, suggesting

deep steadiness in mind as well as body. I’m coining my own pose

name ‘Achelasana’! Mountains don’t wobble, they don’t question

their nature... and they don’t fret about finding the inner arches of

their feet. So...one more grounding exhale and I’m ready to embrace

my inner mountain and stand tall.

Victoria Jackson lives and practices in Oxford. She is registered with

Yoga Alliance as a vinyasa yoga teacher

Overcoming our inner barriers for firmer foundations. By Victoria Jackson

Mountains of the mind