Immersion Week 17: In is the only way out

Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras defines Yoga as Samadhi, Samadhi is translated as absorption, absorption is the higher level of concentration, learning to concentrate is the first step in yoga.
What is it needed for concentration? chitta prasadanam, defined by Patanjali as “mind filled with sweetness”, or “calm mind”. Being balanced in body, breath and mind is necessary for feeling calm and sweet.
Conscious and diligent asana practice will help maintain the physical body, but asana practice is not enough, breath and mind must be worked as well. Nadi Shodhana pranayama will help you maintain balance in your breath, and repetition of AUM will do the same on your mind.
This week we began all of our sessions with pranayama and meditation techniques that enhanced our ability of concentration during our asana practice.