Integration of Mind, Body, and Breath Through Asana Practice

The Essence of Asanas

Asanas seem to be a very physical endeavor since you have to do something with the body. It is possible that students who are very sincere in their asana practice may get caught in body dynamics, adjustment, correction, and alignment, leading to what could be termed as "action-o-holism."

Asanas are done by the body, but they are not solely for the body. Asanas are part of yoga, which is primarily for the consciousness and the mind. They should be practiced by the body for the mind.

The Dangers of Body-Centric Practice

When yoga is done by the body and merely for the body, practitioners risk falling into action-o-holism and physiocracy. If your goal through asanas remains on the plane of consciousness and the mind’s faculties, the practice will not become action-o-holism. Instead, you will become thoughtful, pensive, and discriminative. These attributes are cultivated through dedicated asana practice. Without the involvement of consciousness, mind, and faculties, one may succumb to "gym psychosis."

Understanding Gym Psychosis

In a state of gym psychosis, you may focus solely on the legs during standing poses to develop muscle strength and joint function. However, in the yoga paradigm, standing poses engage the body holistically, linking the legs to various parts of the mind. Your legs are connected to your brain, senses, eyes, and ears. These connections are absent in action-o-holism.

You could be engaged in watching television while performing leg workouts, focusing only on a specific body part without total involvement. Conversely, practicing asanas requires connecting all aspects of the body—skin, flesh, muscles, bones, tissues, tendons, and cartilages—while simultaneously engaging various mental faculties such as motor, cognitive, sensitive, and reflective minds.

The Role of Breath in Asana Practice

Breath integration is crucial in yoga practice, distinguishing it from gym psychosis. In the latter, one might merely count repetitions while feeling detached from the physical movement.

In yoga, breath becomes integral to the action. The mind fully engages with the body and its movements in asanas. This holistic involvement ensures that mental forces are balanced and harmonized.

The Impact of Ego in Yoga and Gym Work

Ego in gym workouts leads to an independent mentality—questions like “Am I doing it right?” or “Am I performing at a sufficient pace?” arise. The breath may accompany the movement, but lacks integral connection. Yoga, in contrast, promotes a unified state where practices are integral, meaning that when performing asanas, the ego gets dissolved into body, mind, breath, and senses.

Conclusion: The Unified State of Asanas

Yoga practices are integral, creating a unified experience. Just as ingredients in a dish blend, losing their separate identities, asanas create a harmonious fusion of body and mind. In a gym workout, the ego may remain inflated, concentrating on independent accomplishment. However, through a proper yogic paradigm, asanas provide a space where ego is dissolved, enabling comprehensive integration.

As a final note, while asanas are practiced by the body, they are not wholly for the body

This article appeared in Yoga Rahasya Vol.15 No.3, 2008