In Yogic Philosophy, there is also extensive description of 72,000 Nadis or energetic channels via which prana flows through the chakras or subtle energy centers of the body. In Chapter 6:13 of the classical text of yogic philosophy the Bhagavad Gita, we are instructed in meditation to “Keep the body, head, and neck erect without looking about; gaze instead toward the tip of the nose.”

Satchidananda’s commentary continues that “The head, neck, and body should be in a straight line...a crooked spine may hinder the process when the consciousness rises up. It should flow easily through the spine through the ida, pingala and sushumna. These are important nadis passing through all the chakras.”

In dance and yoga, we can sense a dynamic length in the spine allowing the energy to move throughout the body, noticing the flow from fingertips to heels or toes as we reach, through both arms, legs, from crown of the head to tail, and in all 3 dimensions, every direction. These techniques share kinesthetic principles of proper alignment, which allow ease in balancing, stability, and poise or readiness to move in a variety of ways.

To learn more about my approach to dance, education, and life, to join a yoga or dance class, and for many more free videos and tools, visit my website at ablythecoach.com