The Vayus: The Releasing Energy of Apana
“It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.”
― Alan Cohen
Long, long ago, a funny thing happened. We started talking about the physical body as if it were separate from the influence of our thoughts, emotions and environment. We’ve gotten so good at pulling things apart that connecting can feel daunting.
This is why yoga is powerful. Our bodies, minds, hearts, and spirits need a practice that pulls us back together. Where we see and sense ourselves as whole, complete and worthy.
Here’s an example of re-connecting through Apana Vayu. As you learned last week, Apana Vayu is the downward moving wind. It’s the force of expulsion and elimination. It’s the energy of letting go when something is no longer nourishing or needed.
For example, you ingest food, your body extracts nutrients, then eliminates waste. We agree that this is healthy and necessary. In fact, if you don’t do this, if you hold on, resist release, inhibit elimination, substances become toxic.
Obvious. But do you recognize the power of release with your mind, emotions, and environment?
Ever get stuck in whirlpools of unhelpful thoughts? Or struggle to release out-dated ideas, patterns or narratives that have become poisonous?
Do emotions flow through you, providing information and insight, then release and leave you feeling rinsed clean?
Can you let go of material possessions, relationships, influences or environments that are no longer nourishing?
Apana Vayu asks you to relish release. To embrace the power of letting go. To trust the ground beneath your feet and your ground of being.
This week: identify something or somewhere you can let go. Maybe you’re holding a grudge, resentment or expectation. Perhaps you can release an old habit or story. Or the release might be tangible, like letting go of an item, a plan or situation.
Here are some ways I’m leaning in to the power of letting go:
Emotional: Letting go of a family member who passed peacefully after a slow decline in health. Emotions are like a steady stream, tears come in torrents, and there are swells of love and gratitude.
Mental + Environmental: The school is shifting programming. Releasing old structure to build something bold and beautiful.
Physical: I’m feeling the change of seasons. The crisp air, the press of darkness, slooooowing down. Which means releasing the summer surge of energy, shifting what I’m eating, and adjusting the rhythms of my day.
There are so many ways to embrace release. You know you’ve hit the bullseye when you feel a sigh of relief. Lean into it. And if you need some help, check out the Vayu classes in your virtual library.
May your practice bring a satisfied sigh of release,
Alison
