6. Conquest of fear:
The purpose is to become acutely aware of one’s fears, of the uncertainty in the situation and to develop the strength, steadiness and confidence to conquer the fears.
Asana: BakAsana or Crane pose
Description: With legs bent, shins resting on the back of the upper arms and feet lifted off the ground, the hand and arms support the weight of the body
Symbolism: Crane’s stance of balance
[xvi]
Language of the Body | Language of the Mind |
Unsteady and nervous in the beginning,deliberate, careful, poised, steady, alert,strong |
|
7. Emotional stability:
The purpose is to be aware of one’s emotions, acknowledge them, and yet develop the strength to deal with the situation with deftness and stability.
Asana: Matsyasana or the Fish pose
Description: From a lying down position, the spine is arched with the support of the palms brought below the back. The head is tilted so that the weight of the body rests on top of the head and the base of the spine
Symbolism: Stability and deftness in the face of emotions
[xvii]
Language of the Body | Language of the Mind |
Exposing the heart, open, vulnerable,motionless, streamlined, strong and stable |
|
8. Intuitive Perception:
The purpose is to bring into one’s awareness new insights and ideas, face beliefs that are shaken up and develop one’s intuitive abilities.
Asana: ShIrshAsana or the Head stand
Description: With cupped hands to support the head, the legs are raised perpendicular to the floor and the weight is distributed between the head and the arms.
Symbolism: Tree turned upside down with roots in the air and crown on the Earth
[xviii]
Language of the Body | Language of the Mind |
Inversion, defences, struggle, courage, learningbalance, strength in spine, head, body, feet,blood rushes to the brain, nourishing |
|
9. Releasing Burdens:
This brings into awareness one’ burdens and establishes a lightness with respect to one’s responsibilities.
Asana: Shoulder stand or SarvAngasana
Description: From a relaxed lying down position, the legs and torso are brought in a vertical position with the weight on the shoulders and head. Arms are held vertically by the side of the body
Symbolism: Shoulder
[xix]
Language of the Body | Language of the Mind |
Inverted, reversal, control, strength, flexibility,discomfort, adjusting |
|
10. Connectedness:
The purpose it to bring into one’s awareness the dependencies, interdependencies and the connectedness among things so that a balance is achieved.Asana: TrikOnAsana or Triangle pose
Description The legs spread apart and the body stretches to the left, moving from the pelvis and extending over the left leg. Both the arms are perpendicular to the floor, left hand on the floor or resting on the calf, and the right hand reaching up straight.
Symbolism: Triangle
[xx]
Language of the Body | Language of the Mind |
Extending, creating a foundation, reaching out,reaching down, supportive, steady, balance,poise, focus |
|