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Spring 1998

NAMASTE,

Balance is a fundamental aspect of the practice of yoga. In a way I think it would be accurate to say that when we are in perfect balance we have mastered the practice of yoga. But exactly what do we mean by balance? My big fat dictionary (Webster’s New Twentieth Century) has seventeen definitions for the noun and ten definitions for the verb.

One definition is bodily equilibrium. There is a physical aspect to the idea of balance, of course, as in “I lost my balance and fell.” This is probably the first meaning that comes to most people’s minds when they hear the word. Bodily equilibrium is also a basic component of the practice of doing yoga asanas (postures). One of the first asanas that beginning students learn is Vrksasana (Tree Pose). In that pose the practitioner is required to stand on one foot, raise the other foot, place it against the standing leg and remain standing on one foot for some time. This is about as straightforward an example of bodily equilibrium as you can get. It is important to note, however, that though the student may be able to balance on either foot, most observe that it is easier to balance on one than the other. This observation takes the idea of bodily equilibrium and balance to another level.

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Why should one side be easier than the other? Because the two sides are not equal, and being equal is another definition of balance. In our practice of Hatha Yoga this definition is central. The meaning of the word yoga is union. On the second page of the Tree of Yoga, Mr. Iyengar reiterates the classic definition of Hatha: ha means sun and tha means moon. The right side is associated with the sun and the left side the moon. Thus the practice of Hatha Yoga is, in one sense, joining the left and the right so that they are equally balanced.

Equalizing or balancing the left and right sides of the body is a formidable task. We appear to be physically symmetrical creatures, but simply attempting Tree Pose reveals the illusion. The two sides are usually quite different. This is most obvious in the fact that almost all of us are either left-handed or right-handed. Another interesting exercise is to take a photograph of someone’s face and draw a line down the center. Cover one half and look at the other half, then do the opposite. It’s remarkable how different the two sides usually are, almost like two different people.

Some of the asanas are symmetrical poses, like Tadasana (Mountain Pose) or Sirsasana (Headstand). One’s efforts in these poses revolve around creating equal support, stretch, lift, and opening on the two sides of the body. Other poses, like Utthita Trikonasana (extended Triangle Pose), are asymmetrical. Each side of the body is doing something quite different from the other side. The challenge in these poses is to move toward balance and evenness in spite of the asymmetry. This challenge is a lot like the challenges in life. Given ideal conditions we can often do pretty well at getting our act together. In a stressful environment such as work or taking care of the kids or driving on the Beltway, to come back into emotional or mental equilibrium is a lot more difficult. Just as life’s more difficult circumstances challenge us in maintaining our balance, so the more difficult asanas challenge us to find the same level of equipoise we have in the straightforward symmetrical poses. Interestingly, it is the symmetrical poses that most readily reveal our imbalances.

The asanas are, then, a training ground of sorts, a place for us to work on the issue of balance in a more controlled environment where the external demands and distractions that often beset us are minimized, and where we can direct our energy and attention toward finding equilibrium. It is important to realize that the asanas can also help us work on establishing mental and emotional equilibrium as well as bodily equilibrium. As much as how the body works, how we think, feel, and react are the objects of our asana practice as well.

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The idea of mental and emotional equilibrium, which is another definition of the word balance, moves the discussion to another level altogether. Many people I speak with these days talk about being scattered, hurried and tired, of trying to find some balance in their lives. It is this meaning of balance that I am particularly interested in exploring. Since there is very little space left, though, I’ll leave that subject for the next newsletter.

As you read this, spring in all its freshness and color is right around the corner. Enjoy.