Discovering Lightness in Salabhāsana: A Journey Through Iyengar Yoga

In today's class, we observed something profound. The ability to keep our feet and legs firm and grounded in standing asanas gave us the freedom to make repetitive upper body movements. This stability in the lower body allowed for mobility in the upper body. We could move without collapsing or losing the lightness and form of the asana.

Every asana has a grounding factor. With time and practice, we naturally start seeking it. We ‘hold or ground’ one part of the body while we ‘let go or extend’ another. Through trial and error, we reach a stage of balance.

In Salabh-asana—Locust Pose—we grounded the pelvic band. This grounding allowed for the systematic extension and lifting of the head, shoulders, arms, thighs, and even the toe tips. When we held the pose for a while, after pushing through the stress and effort, we felt a point of lightness and balance.

We definitely experience this at some point. It’s a beautiful moment when we start seeking that lightness every time we practice Salabh-asana. Getting 'sthirata' in Salabh-asana will eventually become effortless, leading us towards 'sukhata'.

This is when we understand that the state of ‘sukh’ is the hidden treasure in every asana. We begin to work towards it with conviction. Conviction from the heart works better than the ego from the head. The heart guides us in a way that helps us become an asana without risking injury. The confidence and joy of this experience can only be felt.

Asana by asana, we embark on a journey. It’s a journey where we first learn the aspect of balance in the body. This practice then permeates our breath, emotions, lifestyle, and conduct. Body strength is just one of the byproducts of this greater pursuit.

When we look out into the universe, we resonate with its balance and feel the same within ourselves. The outside and the inside, the within and the without—everything is in motion yet stable in its own balance.

And that is Yoga. 🙏

Salabh-asana