Different roads same destination
In the primary series Paschimotasana happens twice. Once in the beginning and then at the end of the seated asanas. For me the second one is where I take the time to absorb all what has passed during practice. I’m almost finished and I prefer to take the opportunity to rest here versus in Savasana. Maybe rest is the wrong word it’s where I forget everything. It’s where I saver all what life provides – kinda haughty eh.
I’m sweaty, a little worn out, and glad for the opportunity to just be. I can feel and hear my breath, feel my body heat and sweat. I often stay here and just soak up whatever is happening. If that is nothing then that is fine. It’s my reward if I might.
It’s such a simple asana; just a plain fold over but it connects me to what really matters and all that is or isn’t going on. I’m physically connected; hands are connected to the feet, chest is connected to my quads, face is buried in my legs, my mind is at peace. And there is virtually no effort required to be there. It’s not the only place in practice where this happens but it is the only place where I place no breath limit – I can breathe here as long as I want and often do.
Sirsasana does the same only in a totally different way. For me Sirsasana takes 100% concentration. I have to really work at it to succeed. There is no concentration required in Paschimotasana and gravity is actually a friend.
Concentration is one of those invisible processes that is difficult for me. It’s a tiring process on its own but when you combine that with using physical strength and requiring balance – I am in the vortex of all that MS can conjure up.
I posted a photo of me doing Sirsasana (The Schnoz) and that blurb talks about how it took me eight years to get there. I am at the point where I can, on a good day, maintain the asana for 30 breaths; which for me is an awesome achievement. I’m super happy about being able to do that. That asana has become something I look forward too instead of dreading.
Because Sirsasana requires my full attention I do not think about anything else. I must focus completely on the task at hand. This strange way of diversion allows me to forget about MS. The second I lose complete focus is when I can, and still do, crash out.
There is a point in this asana that when perfectly balanced it becomes effortless and for a second or two I actually feel quite calm. I assume this is how it feels for those who are proficient in this asana (yea I know never assume). But I can’t allow myself to enjoy that point as I’m required to be completely focused. If I do try to enjoy this I will lose the concentration required and fall. However when I look at the photo I posted (The Schnoz) it gives me a calm vibe and it does look rather effortless.
I can remember when I was a rookie at the shala. There was a process when I practiced; I would locate at one end of the shala. And when I got to the closing sequence I moved to the other end. I assume this was so that the teacher had less area to cover (could also be a safety issue). I was never told to do that I just followed what everyone else did. Anyway for a few days this guy would come in to the closing area lay down his mat, settle in and then go right into Sirsasana. And if I’m remembering it correctly he’d stay in that asana for about 15 minutes and that’s all he did.
Without any knowledge I got a vibe he was trying to repair something. And an impression he knew exactly what he was doing, with a confidence of a journey successfully sought. The stuff that comes into and out of my head?……
Both of these asanas for totally different reasons focus my mind on everything and nothing. I’m repairing what can’t be repaired just for those few moments.
Liberating……..
Be safe