asana

A look into Kapotasana…

If we choose to view Asana as a metaphor for every other limb of yoga, we may find that a backbend is a turning inward; a self reflection lead by the observer into the nature of the observer. Kapotasana is a deep backbend where the spine literally curls into itslef, creating a complete circle of body. For this reason, Kapotasana, or “King Pigeon”, can stir up emotions from within the practitioner. What’s maybe even more interesting is the reaction that such a pose elicits from those who do not practice Yoga.

Those who haven’t chosen the practice can feel uncomfortable with the process’s aesthetics. “Oh man I think I’d break myself if I even TRIED to do that!” “That’s just sick.” “The body isn’t meant to do that!” And yet it does. When a posture is avoided in the practice, and when the practice is avoided in life, there’s a mentality at play. There’s something deep within the ego that’s making an excuse as to why the reaction to such a stimulus is, “No. (I can’t, and I won’t, and thank God you can’t make me.)” And thankfully they’re right; no one can be made to do anything. No teacher can make a student enter a posture or make a student seek a sensation. No one can do something for us without our effortful consent.

So it’s up to me. It’s up to you. If at the end of class, you don’t feel like trying anymore, do it for the person next to you.