Savasana, Prana and Surrender
As Hareesh (of Tantrika Institute) says, Prana is short for Prana Shakti, that which we all have in common… Life Force.
There is a term called “prana” within the 5 different breaths or vayus exhibited by what we call “the body”. They all have different functions. Apana is associated with a downward motion of the inhale, while prana is actually considered a breathing forth or exhale. Prana is thus considered an assistant in the concept of surrender.
Surrender happens; it is not an action performed as surrender releases us into the non-conceptual.
Practicing be-ing and postures such as savasana will make us more receptive to the divine gift or Grace that surrender is. Again, surrender is something that is more of a happening “for you”.
Meditation practice and asanas such as savasana sometimes force us to reckon with what we call a “busy mind”. All of a sudden we can “see” how busy we are. Some people are well skilled in avoidance or running away from concern over the busy mind. Other people might feel a sense of defeat as if there is something wrong with them. “Why can’t I quiet my mind?", is often a question that arises. Both types of people might believe that it will require a great deal of practice for this not to happen. And practice helps, however, what needs to be continuously reiterated is that this is what this aspect of “mind” does. It’s okay to have thoughts, we are just trying not to become completely absorbed in them. Thoughts are not the ultimate “You”, so “you” don’t have to “I-dentify” with them.
A practice should focus the attention on that which perceives the thoughts. The stillness of awareness that the vibrations or thought streams arise from and reabsorb into. Let them pass by like clouds or actively dissolve them by maintaining your attention and interest in The Witness of them. Practice and deep breathing slows their pace. You will notice a gap. Focus on the “gap”, which is really the All they move through. The ALL there really is, that “you” are. The one and only I.