The Splits: Hanumanasana
The Splits: Hanumanasana – a Journey of Patience, Trust, and Faith For many yoga practitioners, Hanumanasana (aka the splits) — holds a special allure. It’s a challenging pose that tests both flexibility and patience. But Hanumanasana is much more than just a physical pose; it has symbolic roots and offers valuable life lessons if we take the time to explore its history, meaning, and the mindset it teaches. The Story Behind Hanumanasana The name “Hanumanasana” comes from Hanuman, a revered monkey deity in Hinduism. Hanuman was gifted with immense powers including strength, shape shifting and immortality. However, a curse made him oblivious to these powers and he lost sight of his full potential. When his Lord Rama’s wife, Sita was kidnapped, he is sent to search for her. His group encounters the ocean which obstructs their way as they are unable to cross it. However, the curse on Hanuman is lifted and he makes a giant leap from the southern tip of India across the ocean to Sri Lanka to rescue Sita. Hanumanasana references the shape of Hanuman’s extended legs during this giant leap. This leap represents not just physical prowess but immense faith, trust, and devotion. A realisation of immense potential that had been forgotten. In yoga, practicing Hanumanasana is a way of embodying this mythic leap, both physically and spiritually. Practicing Patience and Non-Attachment One of the most important lessons Hanumanasana teaches is patience. Achieving this pose will take months, or even years of consistent, mindful practice. And that’s okay. Yoga reminds us that progress is not linear and that rushing into a pose can lead to injury, frustration, or burnout. Two hamstring injuries have reminded me of this lesson. They taught me the power of non-attachment—letting go of our expectations to focus on the journey, not just the destination. Applying the Lesson of Hanumanasana to Life Much like in life, we can easily become overly fixated on achieving a goal, whether it’s in our careers, relationships, or yoga practice. But if we’re only focused on “getting there,” we miss the beauty of the present moment. In Hanumanasana, as in life, it’s crucial to trust the process, allow ourselves to grow at our own pace, and let go of rigid expectations. Another aspect of Hanumanasana is about faith. Faith in yourself, in your body, and your potential. The leap that Hanuman took required him to rely upon forgotten powers. Regaining trust in his abilities, to surmount a seemingly impossible challenge. When practicing the splits, there might be moments you wonder if your body will ever “get there.” We doubt ourselves and give up before even trying. But if you cultivate trust and patience instead, you’ll eventually realise you are far more capable than you thought. Building Flexibility The ‘splits’ and Hanumanasana are not entirely the same. Though the shapes look the same, the intention behind them is entirely different. Generally, the splits are purely an aesthetic shape, often associated with gymnastics and able-bodied flexible, young women. It is all about an external experience. Whereas Hanumanasana is practiced for a deeper internal awareness. So, it doesn’t actually matter what the outward appearance is. Our bodies are all different and our outward expression of poses will be too. We might need cushions or props for support, finding ways to honour our limits with grace and compassion. If you want to build flexibility, I’ve created a YouTube challenge to help you prepare in a safe and mindful way. These videos focus on opening the hips, stretching the hamstrings, and gradually preparing your body for the splits without forcing it. Soon, I’ll be offering more tutorials, classes and tips through the Seola On-Demand Membership. Want to be the first to know about new content and upcoming on-demand? Sign up to the mailing list to stay in the loop! Let your practice be guided by trust, not by force. ✨ Click here to watch on YouTube! AuthorChrista Daboiko 2024 Return To Blog Page