7. Different Types of Postural Activity in Āsana Practice
Generally in terms of Āsana practice we can consider two types of physical activity:
– Dynamic or Movement and Stay or Static.
1. Dynamic is the movement aspect of an Āsana or posture.
– Though some Āsana are more suited to Movement or Dynamic Work
For Example:
2. Stay is the Static aspect of an Āsana or posture.
– Though some Āsana are more suited to Stay or Static Work
For Example:
Relating these two principles, dynamic movement in Āsana is the initial way of assessing what is what in the body, in the breath and in the mind.
“Dynamic postures bring out
inherent weaknesses and trends in the breath.
They can also tell you what ratios should be avoided.”
– From personal lessons with TKV Desikachar
Furthermore you can’t just press a button and get into and out of an Āsana, you have to move. So there is a starting point in learning the practice of Āsana.
In this respect the application of the principles of dynamic and static work when planning for Āsana practice allow for a more efficient use of the body and respect for variables such as time of day, time of year, time of life, preceding or following activities, length of practice, role of practice, practice needs, etc.
Amongst the technical learnings of the different possibilities for Āsana are topics such as, the developmental application of Āsana within the refinement of the practice from more movement towards more stasis. This would involve an exploration of the possibilities for Āsana:
- When used with long range movement
- When used with mid range movement
- When used with short range movement
- When used with micro movement
This would also involve a theoretical study of why we move or stay in Āsana. Along with exploring the advantages and disadvantages of movement and stay in Āsana. This is supported by examining which Āsana are best used dynamically, which Āsana are best used statically and which Āsana allow can serve both a static and dynamic application.
All of which sits within a relationship to the deeper purpose of Āsana within our journey through the body to the mind and beyond through such as:
- Krishnamacharya’s teaching around the use of movement and stasis within systemic roles for Āsana, whether for circulation or purification.
- The consideration of movement or stasis in relation to the Guṇa.
- Or in relation to the psychological ideals of unwavering Viveka.
Consequently in looking at the principles of static and dynamic we must consider :-
- The Āsana to be used.
- The body.
- The breath.
- The mind.
The next post will consider the question of Voluntary and Involuntary effort and consequent effects for students in their Āsana practice.
– Extracts from my lessons with TKV Desikachar in 1980, extended in 2020
– The Viniyoga of Āsana Part 1 of 15 – Āsana according to Haṭha and Rāja
– The Viniyoga of Āsana Part 2 of 15 – There are Many Approaches to Āsana Practice
– The Viniyoga of Āsana Part 3 of 15 – The Principles used in Constructing an Āsana
– The Viniyoga of Āsana Part 4 of 15 – Considerations around the Direction of Āsana Practice
– The Viniyoga of Āsana Part 5 of 15 – Common Points within the Variables in Āsana Practice
– The Viniyoga of Āsana Part 6 of 15 – Planning an Appropriate Āsana Practice
– Paul’s Short & Longer Yoga Practice Theory Articles – Collected & Collated