A Blissful Life 2/24/25: What Happens In A Yoga Pose?

A well-rounded yoga asana class provides us the opportunity to move our bodies in ways that we don’t necessarily do otherwise. From forward folds and backbends to twists and lateral reaches, all of the different postures we move through in a yoga class have purpose and come with their own set of physical, mental, emotional, and energetic benefits. In today’s column, I will begin to demystify three of the foundational movements that we see repeated throughout numerous postures, focusing mostly on what each one does for us on the energetic level.

First, let’s explore forward folds, or forward bends. Anytime you fold into yourself– think standing forward fold, seated forward bend, child’s pose, or standing head to knee pose– you are bringing “me to me”. Forward folds are calming for the nervous system. They help us to gather; they pull us together. If you see the body as a concentration of consciousness, you’ll understand that when we fold our body into itself, we become consciousness folded in on itself. This helps us to remember who and what we are, why we are here, what we truly want, and all that we have to be grateful for. Forward folds are great to do when you feel scattered, out of body, or a loss of control. Forward bending helps us to come home to ourselves; it’s as if we are giving ourselves a hug. Finally, when we fold forward we open up our back body, which is said to be the place from which we receive information. In a society where we are so used to doing, giving, and telling, forward folds help us to get quiet and introspective, and to listen.

Next, we look at spinal extensions, otherwise known as backbends. In a sense, backbends do the opposite of forward folds– they energize us! Arching the back stimulates the nervous system, providing a boost in energy. Before reaching for that second cup of coffee, try a backbend or two for a natural “pick me up”. This posture opens and moves stagnant energy throughout the body, which helps us to feel lighter and less stressed. Spinal extensions also aid us to release emotional tension and open up our heart chakra, increasing feelings of joy, love, and vitality. When we bend backwards, we expand the front body, which they say is where we give from. This makes backbends good for helping us to communicate with clarity and kindness. Anytime you arch your spine, it is important to make sure that you are grounded and centered with an engaged core. Examples of backbending yoga poses include sphinx, cobra, locust, bow, camel, and wheel.

Finally, we arrive at closed twists. When we twist, crossing over the midline of our body, we balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain. This makes twisting great for helping us to improve our memory and mental clarity. The vagus nerve, which is connected to the parasympathetic “rest and digest” part of our nervous system, is stimulated during twists, which helps us to feel a sense of stability and calm. Additionally, twisting wrings out the spine and massages the organs, which makes this movement incredibly detoxifying and neutralizing– for the emotional and mental bodies, as well as the physical. Lastly, the compression and release that happens when we twist encourages an improvement in circulation throughout the body. Examples of twisting asanas include seated twist, thread the needle, revolved triangle, dance of shiva, chair with a prayer twist, and twisted hand-to-big toe pose.

No matter your level, you can experience the benefits of these foundational movements in a yoga class. Check our schedule and sign up at oceanblissyoga.net. Call me if you have any questions at 917-318-1168. I am happy to discuss the classes that are best fit for you!