Exercises that take you to meditative bliss….

The initial purpose of each and every of the 840,000 Yoga asana is rather poetically phrased in the Yoga Sutras as “The sacrificial fire for the burning of neurosis”, or put simply, stilling of the movements of mind. Further to this each posture type has psychological as well as physiological focus.

In meditative postures the idea is to have level the erect sections of the body, chest/neck/head. Hence most cross legged seated postures where Padmasana (Lotus) is most revered for the stability of the interlocked legs creating a triangular base to support the erect sections. However, many particularly from the west, find these seated postures difficult to maintain. A simpler meditative posture well worth exploring is…

Shavasana – Corpse Posture

The philosophy behind this corpse posture being there is not only no movement but no desire to movement.

To begin, lie flat on your back, feet hip distance apart, arms loosely by your side, palms facing up.

Modification: should it be uncomfortable to have your hands close to your hips, move them a little outward. The idea here physically being, palms up rotate the shoulders thereby expanding the upper thoracic cavity… allowing for a little more breath in the upper lungs.

Allow your body to feel as though it is being totally supported by the floor. Scan the body from within and release any tension experienced.

Further adjustment may be achieved by:
- knifing the shoulder-blades together and then releasing them
- rotating the knees outward then releasing thighs and buttocks

Breath
Breathe freely

Benefits
Releases tension from the whole psycho physiological system
Reduces anxiety