Please don’t get me wrong, I really LOVE Diamond Dallas Page, an amazing Yogi. After viewing his website and twitter account, I stand in awe of what he is doing to lift himself and his clients up. And, I like his attitude. He appears authentic and real. He is one of my heroes!
He lifts people, such as Arthur Boorman, up and out of their pain and overweight bodies into Yoga bodies that are flexible and strong. After viewing the video of Arthur, I was in awe.
See video of Arthur right here!
After 40 years of Yoga I know its’ power. I know what Yoga did for me. Within a few months of practicing asana, I went from nervous wreck to strong and capable. And, 40 years later, at 71, I am still full of energy and dreams.
I have seen many Yoga students heal their broken bodies and hearts and move forward with their lives too. But; something worries me about Arthur. Let me explain it to you.
Arthur now has a strong and flexible body. But, what comes next?
Arthur’s body is more refined, therefore he needs a subtler form of asana. Plus, expanded breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation will assist him in getting in touch with his deeper feeling states and protect him from physical injuries. To understand the latter, see William Broads’ book, “The Science of Yoga: The Risks and the Rewards”. Although I don’t agree with everything Broad says (see previous blog); he is right about injuries, if asanas are not adjusted for a more refined body.
Muscles that are bulky and defined pull on bones, mis-aligning and compressing joints, blocking prana, the energy medicine of Yoga. Yoga is an energy-based healing system, like Reiki, Touch for Health, Acupuncture and Acupressure. As such, it relies on energy flowing through channels to balance and heal the body. In Yoga the channels are called nadis. In Chinese medicine they are known as meridians.
At the physical level, subtler asanas strengthen muscles that are closer to the core of the body. Then the muscles on the outside become smooth and elongated. They are more balanced and they slide over each other. This is the ultimate in core strength!
A refined body runs prana more easily. Graceful bodies support a sensitivity that is quick, intelligent and aware. One that is responsive to the in-depth subtleties and layers of life.
Prana also dissolves emotions, unconsciously held in the body, releasing deep stress that is associated with post traumatic stress. Streaming prana feels good. It reminds the individual of what she/he felt like before the trauma occurred.
When prana feeds the body, the Yogi is more insightful, intuitive and inspirational. He/she discovers their own creativity! Free from the dogmas of others (even the dogmas of Yoga!), he/she finds their true self.
This is my wish for Arthur.
(Read and experience more in my soon to be released book, “Yoga Beyond The Forms. De-bunking Yoga Myths”)