The practice of yoga is a way of life that awakens our true nature as kind, joyful beings living in harmony with nature.
The practice of yoga is a way of life that awakens our true nature as kind, joyful beings living in harmony with nature.
Look around and see the ocean, trees and sunshine alive with Prana, the universal life force energy. Sitting tall in the calming pose of Sukhasana, we align ourselves with nature’s forms to tap into our inner wholeness. Moving into specific forms, or asana, revitalizes us because Prana flows more easily through mind and muscle patterned by the principles of nature.
“Easy pose” is the basis for every other yoga pose and practice.
Steps for Sukhasana: center, align and breathe
1) Center in the heart. Feel nature’s fullness. Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position, sitting bones on a blanket or two, legs and edges of the feet on the ground. Sitting in a chair is fine. Be comfortable.
2) Align your spine. Lengthen the backbone, head over heart over pelvis. Feel the flow. Extend the crown upward. Imagine connecting your tailbone to the center of the Earth. Be steady. Rest your palms on the knees or touch the thumbs to index fingers.
3) Breathe slowly, in and out through the nostrils. Close the mouth and eyes. Breathe in grace, breathe out gratitude. Continue for two to 10 minutes. End by bringing hands together over the heart.
Even with blisters, backaches and ailing hearts, Sukhasana focuses the mind on wholeness and health. A smile tells your body that it’s safe to feel blissfully alive. We feel “sweet, easy and happy,” or in Sanskrit, Sukha.
Sukhasana lowers blood pressure, strengthens core muscles, increases circulation and improves memory. It restores stability, balance and relationship harmony.
It feels good, it’s free, has no calories, and best of all, it gives you a taste of the freedom to choose wisely.
Marya Mann, PhD., teaches yoga at Club Rehab in Kealakekua, works as an energy medicine specialist at Kona Coast Wellness and is the co-author of “Healing Our Planet, Healing Our Selves.” She can be reached at marya.mann@gmail.com.