Ha! This sounds like an Anusara yoga pop quiz!

I’ll give you the short form, as I do answer some of these in my Daily Doses of Delight emails.

Ego and desire are wonderful expressions of the individual when they are in remembrance of the Universal. So, ego (here meant as the individual aspect of self) helps us discern, express, and exist as a unique being – adding to diversity which is an unlimited creative expression of the One as many. However, if the individual (ego) forgets that it is connected to everything else and gets all caught up in thinking that its unique perspective is the only right one, then we’ve got problems, because it is now playing the game as a separate entity, which is a limiting and potentially harmful viewpoint.

Desire is great when it is a passion that motivates us to create, learn, teach, or otherwise experience and contribute in a way that is life affirming and in remembrance of the whole divine dance of what Is. The trick is allowing desire to brighten the flame of life without being attached to the outcome.

The universe is limitless, therefore diversity exists and offers us endless perspectives on the one, often inspiring us to a new version of ourselves. Once we’ve opened to the whole sparkling spectrum, we can then choose what parts of diversity we want to include in our lives, and which aren’t for us.

The supreme energy that we call the Divine plays this game of forgetting and remembering, concealing and revealing, to discover and experience itself, and as creative expression. Why? Because when we play the game of forgetting, then we get the bright light of remembrance, which brings newfound bliss (and other grand experiences of life) over and over again. This, like the others, could be a very long answer, but that covers the gist of it.

And lastly, when contrary complements are in balance (known in Anusara terminology as Balanced Action), the ensuing harmony creates a flow and oneness that opens wide the doors of awakening and delight, healing and peace. The two become one in a dance.

And now, a question for you, what sparked this impromptu quiz? And whom do you study with?

Thanks for participating!

Katrina

sorry! that’s a lot, i know, but interested in your answers!

Janu Sirsasana, literally translated as head to knee pose, is a great one to be sure! Yet don’t actually worry about getting your head to your knee. Optimal alignment is far more important, and often trying to bring the forehead down causes us to over effort and can put strain on the neck and shoulders. That said, if you are aligned and your chest is very near your leg, by all means let your head rest. Think of it as ‘head to shin’ pose, though, to get the most extension through your torso out of your rooted legs and pelvis.

As for why one side is different than the other, I’d need to see you to give you a more specific reason. What I can tell you is that what you’re experiencing is very normal – I don’t know if I’ve met anyone who isn’t tighter on one side than the other. We’re all asymmetrical in our own special ways, and though you definitely want to aim towards symmetry in your practice, don’t expect your body to start there.

Remember that you are always moving with grace, both on the mat and off. Let your breath guide you and clear the excess tension. If ever you’re in confusion during your practice, turn to your breath.

I hope this answers your question. Enjoy your practice!

Namaste.

When I am doing the head to knee pose I find I am able to touch my knee on my left side but not on my right side. I am left handed, is it because I am more dominant and strong on that side or is it because my lower back is tight on the right side so it does not allow me to bend forward with grace. Do you know what causes this and do you have any suggestions? Namaste

Funny enough, Anusara® yoga founder, John Friend, asked this question at a training last year. We were to sum it up in a sentence or two. This made me laugh, and I was smiling as I put pen to paper to try to get it out in one succinct go.

Of course, this question has as many expressions of answers as there are people, each unique in their own focus. However, the essence can be explained as follows, which is a combined answer from myself, John Friend and other ideas at the training:

Life is a journey and discovery of who we are as individuals and the part of us that is boundless (an adventure of self and Higher Self). We’re here to artistically express the essence of the heart; to go within and be clear in order to share the delight of life.

Everything we choose, everything that happens along the way; all of it supports this discovery of the self as a journey and process of discovering the mysterious unfolding of the heart.

What’s your take on the meaning of life? (This question is open to anyone to answer.)

I was wondering what are best yoga poses for relaxing before you go off to sleep?

Thanks

Sharleen