Prana Vayus and Fear

The next few weeks will be focused on the way energy moves in the body. More specifically, we'll be examining how fear causes us to close off the flow of energy, which leads to illness, reduced productivity and emotional stagnation.
Vayu translates as wind, and refers to the different ways energy flows in the body. The apana vayu is energy that flows down and out, and is concerned with elimination.

When the body encounters stress there are a very specific set of responses that occur. We prepare to fight or flee. I'm sure you're familiar with the vast body of information that exists regarding stress and health. Our bodies do not discriminate between being in life threatening danger and a stressful social situation; our bodies react the same way to the stress we feel behind the wheel or in our cubes as we would feel faced with bigger, badder situations. Fear is fear regardless of the catalyst.

The question in today's day and age, when we're not faced with the possibility of death every day, is what do we fear and, more importantly, why? What can't we let go of? Why? We probably all know what we fear. The more important piece is why.

This week we're not going to think. I know that sounds ridiculous, but the way to know the details is to clear the chatter out as much as possible. Set your breath to a steady rhythm and watch it. Let the smooth rhythm of your breath permeate your mind until your mind is smooth and quiet. Take your time and layer as many techniques to occupy your mind as you need until you can achieve single pointed concentration on the breath.  Then you will become receptive. Ideas will come to you. You will know things about yourself that you usually bury deep under a layer of noise.

Asana this week is focused on the idea of letting go. We will infuse our bodies with the same smooth rhythm that dominates our mind and breath. As the body flows you will loosen tight tight muscles; begin to reverse the effects of the stress reaction.

I taught this class on Tuesday and after I introduced the idea of knowing our fear better I had some stern participants. I don't blame anyone for being apprehensive about the exploration of their fear. Keep your sense of humor right at your finger tips. Never let it be far from you. Experience the lift asana brings to you. Let it light your way through the dark.