Sensitivity towards our body is of utmost importance in asana practice.
With the right sequence of poses, our mind develops the ‘innocent confidence’ of a teenager. The mind is accustomed to pushing us to opposite ends. It thinks that, “If I am stretching, then I have to feel some pain.” Asanas done with this psychology lead to injuries. On the other hand, in case of any injury, the mind runs in the opposite direction and imposes limitations and excuses to avoid practice.
In asanas, don’t launch with your mind, launch with control over your limbs. Asana practice is all about sensitivity. Do you feel the right muscle working? Where is the tightness? Focus on the part of the body which is involved the most in the asana. Never push yourself to your upper limit. In Iyengar Yoga, every asana is taught with variations using different props. Develop the sensitivity to realise which prop suits your needs. Yoga without awareness causes injuries. A holistic approach of using limbs, senses, organs and above all, awareness is the long-term solution.