Asanas are not created out of the blue. They came into existence as a methodical approach to living and are classified systematically. This systematic classification is based on the anatomical structure and function of the body and a sequential progression of movement.
Throughout most of our waking hours we stand (or worse sit) on our legs, but we do not pay attention to the correct method of standing. The standing asanas(uttistha sthiti) bring our attention to how we stand and correct the posture of the body.
In the Iyengar method of teaching there is tremendous attention given to correct alignment and one learns how to stand firmly on ones legs. They also teach how to distribute the weight when the arms are taken through various movements without shaking the entire body.
By taking a step back to review basic principles and techniques we might just find ourselves taking two steps forward in our practice.
This article - Why do we focus so much on standing poses in Iyengar Yoga? - may inspire you to pay more attention to YOUR legs!
“It is through the alignment of the body that I discovered the alignment of my mind, self, and intelligence.”
~ B.K. S Iyengar, Light on Life
