Prana in the Spine: The Sacred Stream of Sushumna
Sushumna translates to "sacred stream," a term that doesn't refer to a physical aspect of your being but belongs to the transcendental subtle body. In Sri Vidya, Sushumna is described as a "state of consciousness" and is considered the most important and powerful energetic pathway within the human design.
While the spine is its physical counterpart, it's crucial to recognise that they are not one and the same. Developing an awareness of the physical spine is indeed helpful, but to access Sushumna, you must first enter the realm of prana, then sense and experience it intuitively.
Merging prana and consciousness in the central channel is at the heart of Tantra Hatha Yoga. Before an awakening of the central channel can occur, it must first be accessed or opened. This process involves fortifying and balancing the solar (right nostril) and lunar (left nostril) channels, known as Pingala and Ida nadis, respectively. The lunar channel, or left nostril, correlates to the right hemisphere of the brain, while the solar channel, or right nostril, corresponds to the left hemisphere.
It is rare for both hemispheres and nadis to be activated simultaneously. This occurs very briefly every few hours. However, for kundalini activation to take place within Sushumna, this balance must be maintained and stabilised for longer periods.
At Bhav Yoga Studio, this week we emphasise the importance of prana in the spine, recognising that the central channel is the key to deepening our practice and connecting with our higher selves. By focusing on the subtle energies and pathways within our bodies, we can cultivate a profound sense of balance and harmony.
Our approach to yoga goes beyond the physical postures, delving into the energetic and spiritual dimensions of the practice. By understanding and working with prana, we open ourselves to transformative experiences and greater self-awareness.
Come join us at Bhav this week as we invite you to explore this journey of Prana in the Spine, tapping into the power of prana to elevate your practice and transform your life.