Draft at Work 1

Among the goals of Tantra is the gradual opening of energy channels (nadis), especially among their major nexus centers (chakras). This is done via the many practices of the tradition including, but not limited to, purification practices (kriya), austerity and discipline (tapas), deliberate movement of internal energy (pranayama), and specific postures (asana).

According to the tradition, within each of us lays dormant an infinite source of energetic power known as kundalini. It is said that unleashing this tremendous potential energy prermaturely can lead to unbearable physical pain and mental anguish. The process must be deliberate with the practitioner slowly opening the tap while building capacity for this torrential source of life force energy (prana).

While maybe not so esoteric as harnessing one’s connection to cosmic energy, I find the process of opening to authenticity, trust, love, forgiveness, and vulnerability similar. It is a stepwise journey whose goal is a richer more unified life. Yet, too much too soon can reuslt in closing off and experiencing more harm than good.

An asana practice can serve as metaphor and training. Through the soft diciplien of regular practice, one e=gets to meet breath (a constant source of reliable protection), simulate challenges (for example via a long warrior I hold), deal with expectations and frustrations (the daily changing of the body), and gain a deeper connection with body and its psychomsomatic connection to mood and mind.

As such, by working into the body we can begin to expand our ability to contain the challenges of fully engaged living. If for nothing else, a regular practice provides opportunities to process and flush one’s container of the many impressions amassed throughout days of living a full life.