My initial understanding of the word " Asana" ( means posture in sanskrit) is pure exercises, some says a series on body contortion.
That's the most superficial explanation, there're the layers of underlying meaings waiting to be uncovered.
Asana though appears as physical workout in the eyes of others, its a healing time for the person standing on the mat.
It does not matter how deep i've been digging the hole of " asana", seems pit-less.
Forward bends; always give an impression of " easy to deal with".
When the aching pains starts moving to the entire hamstrings and calves, it never fails to trigger my frustration.
Folding in half like a book, flexes from the hip, i found myself looking into myself.
Forward bends; A time for Confrontation.
It enables me to confront my feelings and thoughts, both negative and positve.
Holding a little longer, gives me the opportunity to face the pains I'm experiencing physically and deal with the struggle spiritually.
Acknowledging that " yes this stretch is real irritating!".
Witnessing how my frustration rises and how much "himsa" (violence/negative) thoughts that actually run in my head.
Also, in forward bends, i learn how to bring out the frustrations and pains I'm experiencing; and release them with each breath.
With inhale, i reveal the discomforts.
With exhale, i surrender them to the universe.
There are days when we make mistakes, tell some lies or hurt someone.
There are time when we make blunders, falls or get injured.
Its all part of growing up in life.
Regrets that haunt us or memories that stop us from moving forward; because we just don't have the courage to look into our mistakes, and the things that we've done, even we're not proud of.
From forward bends, i accept myself as myself; including my actions, habits, speech and thoughts.
I'm open to discrimination on myself.
I'm willing to bring in positive thoughts and throw away the negative ones.
In only to be truthful to myself, i am real.