Be Natural

Tree? Crow? Lotus? Mountain? Am I in yoga or learning about nature? Perhaps a little bit of both!

I recently learned that in the early days of yoga, the asanas were taught to children outdoors. In order to keep their interest, poses were named after things in nature that looked similar. It made it easier for the children to imagine what the poses looked like, and was entertaining. In India, this tradition is still carried out and children learn the physical postures of yoga at an early age.

I loved hearing this insight- it has completely changed my practice! Now each time I go into 'thunderbolt', I can picture the jagged flash of light and feel the energy igniting my body into form. Imagining a beautiful 'bird of paradise' has graced my asana with delicacy. Standing tall like a 'mountain' has allowed me more presence and solidarity in the pose. Some involve using a little more of the imagination- like pigeon- I assume that the leg position embodies the wings of the bird?

You may have no clue what I am talking about, but the next time (or the first time!) you are in a yoga class and the asana is called, take the time to picture what it is you are emulating. Be natural in your form and embody the pose. Thinking about the nature of a pose's name could possibly help you to come into it easier. Regardless, it's guaranteed to be a lot more fun! You may even find the urge to bark in downward facing dog!