[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“It is through the alignment of the body that I discovered the alignment of my mind, self, and intelligence.”
B.K.S. Iyengar
Proper alignment in yoga is critical. On a physical level, the body and its many parts should work together, in tandem, to achieve a particular posture. If it doesn’t (if, for example, we favor more flexible parts of the body or rely on muscles that are better developed than others) injury or pain can result. But it isn’t just the body that suffers when alignment is off. Our physical bodies are inseparable and interconnected with our energetic bodies. Just as water takes the shape of the vessel through which it flows, prana cannot flow freely throughout the body when it is impeded by physical blockages.
…And we all have blockages.
Physical and emotional injuries impact our bodies as well as habits over time (carrying the baby on the right hip or always sleeping on the left side for example). Most of the time we aren’t aware of either the cause of the problem or of its physical manifestation in the body (less flexibility or strength for example in a particular area). Yoga can help us become aware by directing our attention to what hurts, what causes strain, and where and when a pose becomes challenging. Through consistent practice and effort over time, we can eventually realize the full, properly executed, expression of a difficult posture, and reap its many benefits.
But what if we could speed up that process? What if we could feel the full benefit of a posture without having to work for months (or years) to correct the problems that interfere with proper alignment?
Enter the Dead Sea. This enormous, natural lake, is 10 times saltier than the world’s oceans. It is quite simply impossible not to float when you enter the Dead Sea. It is a perfect, zero gravity environment.
And this is a good thing for yoga practitioners, because gravity is no friend to perfect alignment. Gravity affects and shapes the movement. We use gravity, along with our strongest muscles, to compensate for weaknesses and imbalances in our physical bodies. And this wreaks havoc on alignment.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”117″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]But in highly buoyant water, this compensation isn’t necessary or even possible. Think of a ship: It naturally stabilizes left and right sides when floating. The body does the same thing. When floating in the buoyant water of the Dead Sea, it balances naturally into perfect left/right symmetry without engaging the muscles or the help of gravity. The Dead Sea’s unique combination of liquid zero gravity, mineral-rich water that relaxes the muscles, and the mind-quieting stillness of nature makes even the most difficult postures achievable.
The Dead Sea perfectly symbolizes the infinite flow that moves through blockages and unlocks inner peace and healing. What better way to access that flow than to immerse yourself in it, both spiritually and literally? Visit us at Avayasana to experience it fully.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]