In the book Myths of the Asanas**, which details the stories behind the names of yoga’s poses, Alanna Kaivalya and Arjuna van der Kooij tell the tale of the monkey god Hanuman, who inspired the iconic forward-splitting yoga pose: “Hanuman’s journey, as recounted in the Ramayama (the epic tale of Rama), is one of faith, fearlessness, and complete devotion. Hanuman is said to embody all of the qualities of the yogi, and his story reflects our own in many ways. How many times have we forgotten our own divinity only to fall back into the same self-defeating way of thinking over and over? Who hasn’t had a crisis of faith and wondered if some burden wasn’t too great to bear, or whether some task wasn’t impossible to complete? Hanuman teaches us that there is one thing that allows us to override all of our doubts and fears. That one thing is love.” (p.75)
In this episode--40!--we’re leaping into the benefits of a stretching practice for body and mind. In the blog, I’ll include many more resources for preparing to stretch and going deeper with the practice, so stay tuned for that!
“As he flew over the ocean toward his destiny, one of Hanuman’s feet reached forward and one foot reached back, like the famous split pose, hanumanasana, that yogis know today. Despite encountering numerous obstacles, including a demon that rose from the water to try to gobble him up, Hanuman landed confidently on the island of Lanka.” (Myths of the Asanas** p.73)
Listen in to the podcast for more details of how to get into the stretch, and the potential benefits, physical and mental, of releasing the deep muscles of the iliopsoas.
As you breathe into the stretching shapes like those of Hanumanasana or the splits, consider how you have already overcome fear and resistance to the practice, regardless of what your shape may look like from the outside. Be gentle and patient with yourself, and remember that, “We easily forget that there is a part of us that is also divine and can accomplish the impossible.” (Myths of the Asanas** p.72)
Maybe we think accomplishing the splits, or some other advanced yoga or dance position is impossible now, but consider what a steady practice combined with faith in yourself might do.
What is your splits and flexibility story? Fly over to ablythcoach.com, the A Blythe Coach Facebook Page or Instagram and tell me about your successes and frustrations with positions such as these!
Blythe Stephens, MFA
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DISCLAIMER: A Blythe Coach recommends that you consult your physician regarding the applicability of any recommendations and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program. When participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself.
