When people first come to yoga, they often think of it as a way to become more flexible, strengthen their bodies, or relieve stress. And while all of that is true, there’s something much deeper happening when we step onto the mat.
Āsana—the physical postures of yoga—is often seen as the most tangible part of the practice. But it’s not just about moving the body. It’s about working on the body, by the body, and through the body to refine our awareness.
Why Do We Practice Āsana?
The word āsana comes from the Sanskrit root ās, meaning “to sit” or “to be established.” This gives us a clue—āsana is not just about movement, but about finding steadiness in movement.
In the eightfold path of yoga (Ashtanga Yoga), āsana is the third limb. It comes after ethical disciplines (yamas) and personal observances (niyamas), and before breath control (pranayama). This placement is significant—it suggests that physical practice helps prepare us for the deeper inner work of yoga.
Working on the Body, by the Body, Through the Body
So, what does it mean to work on the body, by the body, and through the body?
On the body – When we step into an āsana, we are working with the physical form—strengthening, opening, and aligning. We feel the engagement in our muscles, the stretch in our spine, and the stability of our feet on the ground.
By the body – The body itself becomes a tool for learning. How we hold tension, where we resist, and where we collapse all offer insights. These patterns don’t just exist in āsana—they show up in our daily lives.
Through the body – As we refine our awareness in each pose, something shifts. We begin to see that our thoughts, breath, and body are interconnected. The posture is no longer just a shape—it’s a doorway to deeper understanding.
Āsana as Self-Discovery
Every pose, from Tadasana (Mountain Pose) to Sirsasana (Headstand), asks something different of us.
Some challenge our strength.
Some test our patience.
Some require trust.
Through this process, we begin to notice how we react to difficulty, how we handle discomfort, and where we seek ease. This awareness is the real purpose of āsana—to cultivate presence, stability, and insight.
Beyond the Mat
Yoga is not just about what happens in class. The way we approach āsana mirrors the way we approach life. If we rush, force, or avoid difficulty in our poses, we likely do the same in other areas. But when we bring steadiness, curiosity, and patience to our practice, those qualities begin to show up beyond the mat as well.
Āsana is not the end goal of yoga—it’s an entry point. A place to begin the work of knowing ourselves, not just in movement, but in stillness.
This Week’s Reflection:
What patterns have you noticed in your practice?
How does your approach to āsana reflect your approach to daily life?
Can you bring more awareness to the moments between the poses, not just within them?