Balance and Energy : The Connection between Yoga, Nature and Crystals

Written by Regine Cuche

Yoga poses don’t all refer to animals, but many of them do. Here are some reasons why numerous yoga poses are named after animals

Observation of nature

Ancient yogis were inspired by nature and the movements of animals to develop poses that mimic these movements. They observed that certain natural movements provided physical and mental benefits and incorporated these movements into their practice.

Symbolism and associated qualities

Animals are often associated with certain qualities or traits. For example, the strength of a lion, the flexibility of a cat, or the stability of a mountain. By naming the poses after animals, practitioners can be encouraged to embody these qualities during their practice.

Visualization and memorization aid

Animal names make the poses easier to visualize and remember. Descriptive names help practitioners, especially beginners, to quickly understand the shape and goal of the pose.

Here are some examples of yoga poses named after animals

Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): The body extends like a cobra rising.
Marjariasana (Cat Pose): The movement mimics the rounded back of a stretching cat.
Balasana (Child’s Pose): Evokes the fetal position and a return to a state of innocence and rest.
Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose): The arms and legs are arranged to mimic the shape of a cow’s face.

However, not all yoga poses are named after animals. There are also poses named after objects, actions, elements of nature, sages, or deities. For example:

Tadasana (Mountain Pose): Evokes the stability and immobility of a mountain.
Vrikshasana (Tree Pose): Mimics the balance and growth of a tree.
Natarajasana (Dancer Pose): Named after the Hindu god Shiva in his form as the cosmic dancer.

In summary, the names of yoga poses are chosen for their ability to evoke images, qualities, or specific states that help guide the practice and convey the essence of each pose. Animal names represent just a part of this rich nomenclatural tradition.

Benefits of Yoga Poses on the Body

Each yoga pose has particular benefits on the body, contributing to physical and mental well-being. Here are some examples:

Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): Strengthens the spine, stretches the chest and lungs, stimulates abdominal organs, and helps relieve stress and fatigue.
Marjariasana (Cat Pose): Increases spinal flexibility, massages abdominal organs, improves digestion, and reduces stress.
Balasana (Child’s Pose): Gently stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles, calms the mind, and helps relieve stress and fatigue.
Tadasana (Mountain Pose): Improves posture, strengthens the legs, thighs, and ankles, and increases body awareness.

Crystals and Their Correspondence with Body Parts

Crystals are often associated with different parts of the body and chakras, each having specific properties that can help balance energy:

Rose Quartz: Associated with the heart chakra, it promotes love, inner peace, and emotional healing.
Amethyst: Linked to the third eye chakra, it aids in meditation, enhances intuition, and promotes mental clarity.
Citrine: Connected to the solar plexus chakra, it stimulates self-confidence, motivation, and creativity.
Lapis Lazuli: Associated with the throat chakra, it enhances communication, self-expression, and truth.

Meditation with Crystals and Japamala

Meditation can be enhanced by using crystals or japamala (prayer beads):

Wearing a crystal: Holding or wearing a crystal during meditation can help focus energy and balance the corresponding chakra.
Using a japamala: Japamala, often used to count mantras, can be made of specific gemstones to provide additional benefits. For example, a rose quartz japamala can help open the heart chakra.

By combining yoga poses, crystals, and meditative practices, you can create a synergy that promotes physical, emotional, and spiritual balance, enriching your holistic well-being experience.

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