When we think in terms of unification and yoga, the prevalent tendency is to consider yoking the mind to the body, or the body to the spirit, or the spirit to the mind. But within the experience of the body itself – a possibility of a more unified experience exists. Bliss arises in the practice when our attention and focus are such that the whole body is functioning as one unit. Rather than moving the legs and arm we discover ourselves extending our very being into tine and space. It’s an Aha. In my experience with myself and others in practice and teaching I understand that this experience arises when the body is harmonious: healthy, balanced, serene and understood.
The body is a field of consciousness. It IS and expression of our beingness. It’s not our master. My experience is that when I experience my body in bits and pieces that somehow, within myself I am in bits and pieces as well, and it’s time to be willing to open more, resist less and just stop fighting with myself and what is in my life.
Sama Stitihi (simple standing), also known as Tadanasa (mountain posture) is about the discovery of this sama – sameness or unification. It’s said that this posture is the easiest and the most difficult. It’s one thing to simply stand still. It’s another thing to stand in that way fully present and alive.
So how do we get there? There are infinite paths, but some of the things I work on is tuning into the body from the inside out…organs, bones, tendons, ligaments etc. and observing when I am divided in myself, in conflict with the things I want or the things I feel. It’s important to bear in mind that the state of yoga is sometimes described as perfect alignment with our divine source. Within that alignment with source all conflict dissolves.
Natalie Ullmann 