Satya Yoga

In order to gain more flexibility, we need strength. In reflection, to be strong, we need a good amount of flexibility. These two areas are not separate issues; instead they are great partners. In the work of muscles, there are agonist and antagonist.

In simple terms, a group of muscles that stretch along a movement and a group of muscles contracts to move against the same movement. This happens all the time.

From this concept, we learn how to use our flexibility to build up more strength, and vice versa – for an efficient practice.

For example, if we want to increase the flexibility of our hamstrings, we need to stretch them. I mean, yes of course! But many may encounter the point when the knee has gone weak during the practice of forward bend.

Instead of focusing on the hamstrings (agonist), we bring our focus to what’s stopping the stretch from happening – that is the quadriceps (antagonist).

The current situation is: Hamstring too strong to stretch; quadriceps too weak that causes the knees to bend.
The solution: Do the opposite. Strengthen the quadriceps, as this will eventually help the lengthening of the hamstrings.

Asana has got so much for us to discover just by practicing it. Many times when we get upset or frustrated for not progressing into the practice – we may be adopting a system that’s not helping us. It’s always more convenient to focus on the problem that is smack right in our face. Why not go around to the back of the problem? The solution is there for us.

When facing the solution, the problem dissolves.