Learning the Language of Yoga | Myths of Asana with Sam Merkur #movementmonday

“Trees are patient creatures. They live a long, quiet time, and they know how to stand firm through all the changes of day and night, climate and season.” ~ Zo Newell, as Interpreted by Yoga International

Some might describe me as a “sitting duck” when it comes to a good love story. I’m just a sucker for that classic “boy-meets-girl” story line. There are many symbolic meanings behind the expressions we choose to describe our experiences and ourselves. Similarly, in yoga, each pose we practice has a greater meaning and mythological story behind the asana.

Practicing Yoga is another way to experience positive changes that are not exclusive to our physical body. Yoga is a channel we use to help relieve mental and physical challenges we face. Behind each yoga pose there are stories and ancient myths that help deepen our understanding of the yoga practice. Diving into the meaning of yoga symbols can bring new depth and insight to your yoga experience. As each symbol brings us deeper meaning behind each pose, it can also help us reflect upon our own obstacles and desires encouraging us to make change.

Let’s briefly examine the story of love through the lens of symbolism in yoga. The myth behind Tree Pose, Vrksasana, can be interpreted as the ultimate love story. It’s about desire, power, strength, and honesty. We are introduced to King Ravana who uses his royal power to kidnap Queen Sita. He naturally assumes that she would fall for him. After all, other women did. He was handsome (once you got used to his ten faces), strong, and fabulously wealthy. His palace was a sensualist’s dream of beauty and luxury. He offered Sita one pleasure after another, but she rejected them all. She refused to spend even one night inside Ravana’s beautiful palace.

Outside the palace, stood a grove of Ashoka trees. Ashoka means “without sorrow.” These trees are symbols of love in Indian folk tradition. They are also healers, containing powerful medicinal compounds. Sita lived under the trees, in hope of her true love finding her. She sat, with her back against a tree, she breathed slowly, and concentrated on her true love with one-pointed focus. Every thought, every breath and visualization, was with the intent for her love to come for her. Trees are patient creatures. They live long, quietly, and they know how to stand firm through all the changes of day and night, climate and season. Silently, those Ashoka trees spoke to Sita: “Stay still, be calm and steady, like us. The seasons will change. This captivity is not forever.”

The outcome of the story is favourable for Sita. Her commitment to her meditation and physical stability make for positive change. Try practicing your Tree pose with the dedication and calamity Sita has shown us. Perhaps, your focus and meditation will begin to take you further in your practice and bring your hopes and desires closer to your reality.

MOVEMENT MONDAY: Vrksasana, or Tree Pose: vrksa means tree. The idea in this asana is to claim stability, strength, balance and flexibility like a tree. This pose is an extension of Tadasana, Mountain Pose. Bend your right leg and place your right heel at the root of the left thigh, avoiding the knee joint. If the balance becomes compromised, take your heel to the inside of you calf for more stability. Rest the foot on the left thigh, toes pointing down. Balance on the left leg as you hug the kneecap up into your standing thigh. Join your palms and raise you arms over head in line with your ears. Breathe deeply for 5 – 7 breaths and slowly release back into Mountain Pose. Repeat on your second side.

Sam Merkur: Certified Yoga Instructor, (CYA-RYT) and Iyengar trained, uses Yoga to assist with healing injuries, aiding in recovery from surgeries, managing chronic and degenerative issues, and as a preventative measure to increase stability and mobility for overall well-being. Sam is a mother of 2 kids, two dogs and the founder of Yogabodii. YOGOBODII.COM