Posture 2: “Standing Pose” (Pádásana)
As we developed the grounding of the root chakra and main channel of the Shushuma or spinal column and central nervous system in the first posture the practitioner is now ready to engage other aspects of the body prior to awakening the Kundalini (Internal energy akin to Body Electronics). The goal of Yoga is to help the body prepare and ready to manage this energetic release without its potential disruptive effects.
Kundalini is the energetic connection of the firm body to the consciousness and more spiritual awareness in relation to the universe, it is the universal energy that manifests originally from the splitting of the first cells in the creation of life. After birth the body grows rapidly as the energy runs unencumbered throughout, with an increased quantity of vital energy or prana, transmitted to the brain via the spinal cord. During this time the Kundalini process is very active, especially within the most potent center of this vital energy in the body, the sex organs. However over time after the body has grown, our habits, eating, stresses in physical as well as mental functioning begin to close down this primal energy force first at the brain level and progressing through the body. The Yoga Postures (also inherent in CHi Gung) begin to bring relaxation and opening of the body to again unrestrict this energy. Once open, Kundalini will again enhances the nervous system and accelerates the evolution of the brain and nervous system so that more efficiency is enacted in the physical body functions along with more faculties of mind and conscious awareness.
The caution with and preparation for awakening the Kundalini is another Vital Point of Yoga; to assure that it is a safe and pleasurable awakening as opposed to distressful and impactful on the practitioners’ mental and physical health. If the Kundalini is released without control or preparation it most often causes an array of unpleasant symptoms, which may include physical manifestations like; insomnia, panic attacks, involuntary muscle activity like shaking (as an example, think of restless leg syndrome), twitching, spasms, rocking or in the mental realm; increased perception overload, hallucination, inability to concentrate (ADD or ADHD) and many more.
We will explore the Kundalini more in later chapters and postures but mention it here to make the practitioner aware that each posture is in an order to prepare and control this awakening. Please do not rush from posture to posture, allow yourself time to work each properly and fully before moving on to the next.
“Standing Pose” (Pádásana)
This centered standing posture is prevalent in many cultures and practices from Hindu to Buddhist to Taoist and even in many religions throughout time. It is an extension of the first “Seated Lotus” posture in that it is to achieve the same goals as the first, only encompassing more of the body. This posture again is a grounding action where the perineum is sealed to restrict rising energy, and the outer and rear leg muscles are called into action for maintaining lateral balance. Because the legs are held together the brain senses the rocking side to side and sends awareness and energy into these muscles to maintain this balance…thus the energy is emanating from the brain down through the body to the heels and outer foot.
As you hold the palms together with elbows up and to each side this accomplishes two main objectives, increased side to side motion and brain activity to maintain the balance and it opens the spine at an important location from the base of the neck (cervical vertebrae) to between the shoulder blades on the first thoracic vertebrae. This allows the spine to relax and open more as it also straightens the front to back curve of the spine in his area. This curve which is exacerbated from daily work such as typing on a computer, driving, cutting hair or other such activity, hinders the flow of the energy from the brain through the spine and peripheral nerves. This can lead to less than optimal physical health as well as head and shoulder aches (which in turn affect other functions).
To experiment with this and become more internally aware, stand with your feet and palms together but with your elbows down. Concentrate on the feeling in your lower neck and upper spine area, you will feel the subtle but growing tension in the area, even fatigue and pressure through to the mid back region. Once you feel this, raise your elbows up and out to the sides as the photograph correctly depicts. You will feel immediate release and a straightening of the entire spine. You will also feel lighter as the energy is not contained, but allowed to flow freely down the spine to the legs; yielding more physical support and making the body feel lighter as you are more grounded.
When the brain is called on by the body to stabilize, control or function, the bio-electric vibrations are sent down to the motor and peripheral nerves to enact this. When energy moves from the brain more than ascending to it as in sensory functions, this is a grounding affect. As the body strengthens with muscle tension, it must have a base to force against; this surface is where the energy is based into or in affect grounded. It is these tensions (however slight) that the posture enacts, drawing energy down from the brain to the body and base.
Holding the palms together also has two vital functions in that it places the central focal balance on the spine as opposed to just the muscle structure as well as closes the front of the torso. When standing in this posture with the palms separated, the back and leg muscles are more active and receive more energy from the brain. By placing them together you will feel the balance and weight more centered on the spine so that the energy is more focused there as opposed to being more in the muscles. Also the chest and stomach are closed and compressed to further support the front to back integrity of the sine as well. This not only helps to maintain a straighter spine, but also a more focused and grounding aspect of the body.
After becoming aware of the body as mentioned above, now direct your attention to the head and brain itself. Stand again with the palms apart, this time focusing your awareness on how it feels in the head. You will feel the sides of the neck and head (particularly in the rear of the head) more tense. As you bring the palms together you will feel the energy not in the muscles any longer but right in the center of the brain.
When you first feel these subtle differences, you may conceive of them as physical, but you must realize that all of the physical actions, tensions, and feelings are generated by an awareness of the electricity to and from the brain to those muscles and structures. Everything is energy, even the physical, once you are aware of this, your internal awareness and energy flow will increase substantially… it is a journey not just a pursuit.
Breathing and Intention:
As you inhale slowly through your nose, try to feel the breath first rise up the nostrils and then descend from the center of your brain down to the feet and into the ground. Be aware to feel it center the entire body as it flows into the ground through the feet. As you exhale through the mouth, feel the entire body relax, bringing your awareness to the subtle shiftings of the body as it maintains its balance. Be aware also on the exhale of the expansion of the physical body as it melds into the environment. Over time you may begin to feel a vibration or pulsing as you exhale, this is natural and real.
Next issue: “Palm Pose” Talásana
Good Health - © Evan Pantazi 2012
Yoga Instructor: Carolina Lino – Ponta Delgada, Azores
Photo by: Tiago Pacheco Maia – Ponta Delgada, Azores