Why are the postures prioritized in Western yoga? Here’s my unpopular opinion…
In two words… It’s easier.
Centering physicality as the quintessential expression of yoga is easier than the rest of yoga, in my opinion. Don’t get it twisted, I did the same for years. I leaned all the way in to the murmurings of the stories I was being told to be, look, do better than others. Not to do my best, but to be THE best. This bastardized relationship with self is a great way to fuel purchases of all of the things to make us feel better about the bodies we live in.
Or do they?
Is there enough asana (postural yoga) to make you feel good about yourself? About life? About watching those around you suffer? Die? About riding the waves of abundance and its opposite?
My argument is no.
However…
The postures can be a mirror to what we say, do, and think in those circumstances. They also have the essential role of keeping our physical body functioning well in order to live our purpose. Every aspect of who we are is intentional and important, as is every aspect of our practice.
For years I’ve said that I can tell a lot about a person from their Yin Yoga practice. Do they self flagellate by pushing to end range of motion? Do they push to suffering? Do they avoid challenge? Do they meet challenge with breath, curiosity and surrender? Are they seeking the teacher’s approval or acceptance? Are they in their own world of discovery?
So going back to the ease of asana…
I’m not saying that asanas are easy. LOL. I am saying centering them rather than how one is beholden to community care and self acceptance is hella harder than achieving or staying in a shape.
Case in point:
Think of your most challenging posture… Got it?
Now think of the person you like the least in the world and sending them love and an energetic warm embrace.
Now think of that one place on your body that you hide with the right clothing, facial hair or makeup…
You picking up what I’m putting down?
According to yoga philosophy, one of the paths of yoga is the 8 Limbed Path, of which the postures is one. And it’s all in preparation for transcendence. AFTER movement is breath awareness, then mental mastery in the ability to focus your concentration, then meditation,… So sitting with yourself is a more advanced practice of yoga according to yoga theory.
So the question we have to ask ourselves is are we going to practice that or nah? There are no wrong answers, friend. But there are answers that will allow us to move beyond the stories intermingled with the physicality of our bodies.
If you’re not already practicing Yin and Restorative on a regular basis, I invite you to bring it in, at least once a week. Your Restorative practice will be incredibly revealing. Observe without judgment. And add Yoga Nidra right after it. Try this consistently for a month and let me know what you think!
Talk to me below. Thoughts on this?
