Chapter 2: Stability – The physical body (Asana)

2.1. The true nature of health
2.2. Awareness: Every pore of the skin has to become an eye
2.3. Dynamic Extension: From the core of your being
2.4. Relaxation: In every pose there should be repose

2.5. Lightness: Think light and feel light

When an asana is done correctly, the body movements are smooth, and there is lightness in the body and freedom in the mind. You must try to generate a feeling of lightness throughout your body. This can be achieved by mentally extending yourself outward from the center of your body. Think of yourself as graceful and expanding, no matter how unlikely it may seem at the time.
When we lose this lightness, our bodies shrink. And the moment the body shrinks, the brain becomes heavy and dull and you see nothing. The doors of perception are closed.
The corners/sides of the chest are like pillars: They should always be firm. Slouching works like a narcotic on the body, which dims the divine light within you.
As you extend in an asana, you must maintain this softness in the body and lightness in the mind. Only then the asana is done correctly. Wherever there is tightness, the brain is overreacting, and you are trapped and no freedom is experienced. On the other hand tension is not good or bad. You have to find the right amount of tension in your body. Too much tension is like aggression and injuries will follow. But too little tension is weakness.