ORIGINS OF YOGA 7the outer world. Instead of being selfish, we become selfless. We tap into a
permanent state of peace, knowing that the secret to living is giving. By giving
to others, we give immeasurably back to ourselves.
Limb Three: Asana, or Pose
Asana is the physical posture; this is the limb of yoga that the majority of us
are most familiar with. One definition of asana is to sit quietly within. But if
many of the asanas are standing postures, why did the yogis state it this way?
They weren’t talking about the physical postures, but about something more
subtle: a state of mind that is calm, steady, and at ease.
More important than what we do on our mats is how we do what we do.
Yoga teaches us that we can bring the asana mind state into our relationships,
careers, lovemaking, and chores—even to running errands and the other
mundane parts of life.
Through asana we dissolve tensions, build strength, eliminate toxins,
increase mobility, and circulate freshly oxygenated blood throughout the
entire body. Physical yoga helps us to not only become strong like steel but
also light like a feather. It also helps boost our immune system. It’s nearly
guaranteed that we’ll flourish when our immune system is robust. And phys-
ical practice releases the natural feel-good stimulants, such as endorphins
and serotonin. When we practice a strong pose such as warrior II, we often
feel an energy of deep strength. When we feel this strength, it supports us
throughout the day so that we are ready for whatever comes our way. We
know that we have the strength and power to handle whatever the universe
brings us.
Because much of our culture is dominated by vanity and aesthetics, it’s
easy to get stuck in this limb. Being an advanced yogi doesn’t mean that you
can do arm balances and inversions like they are circus tricks. What good is
being able to balance upside down if you can’t bring compassion and love
into the world? In fact, advanced postures often become a trap for people’s
egos. It’s easy to compete and compare your poses to those of others. But
remember comparison is the thief of joy. Simply think of a pose as a means
to an end, shifting you from a state of doing into a state of being. The pose is
a means for you to ascend to your higher self and help you sit in meditation
for longer periods of time.
Limb Four: Pranayama, or Breath Control
Pranayama is the expansion of life force through breathing exercises. When
you shape your breath, you shape your mind. The last time you were frus-
trated, angry, scared, or anxious, what happened to your breath? It probably
became restricted, choppy, and erratic. How about when you were happy
and centered? Most likely, your breath was even, smooth, and rhythmic. So,
we know that breath and the mental state are deeply connected.