The Best by Keith Partington

What is the best yoga pose? And why is it Downward Facing Dog? I’m so glad you’ve asked. This shows your mind is in the right place. But wait! Aren’t there like a thousand poses? Some lineages say yes, counting all variations, others place the number more like a hundred, some even less, with variations acknowledged but considered just that- secondary “branches” of a fundamental posture. Regardless, why are we so certain Down Dog is best? Isn’t this kind of dependent on personal preference, body type, goals, past experiences, what have you? I can see why some might make such an argument, and it’s ok to be wrong!

I mean just look at the above photo. Heaven knows the photographer, me, isn’t going to be getting especially high marks. It’s just a snapshot. But look at that energy. These folks are perfectly still. And clearly in a state of dynamic motion. These folks are digging in. Does anyone look bored? Why wouldn’t they be? All in this photo have done this pose thousands of times. Don’t they know it? What’s left to learn?

This is what I love about hathayoga. A given pose is a window, and the view through this window is ever changing, as what one sees is a constant state of growth. When we peer through this window— and this can be any pose — we are gaining insights into the Self. Our past, our direction, and the through line that reveals hints of the future, which we all realize is an abstract that simply informs the present. The only moment we will ever have.

So in Down Dog we have a true inversion, a spine lengthener, an opener of the front and back of the body which at the same time strengthens the body considerably. The whole body. To remain in it is — and remains forever — a considerable challenge.  There are few other postures that bring one more immediately into the present moment, but none of those are as accessible.

This is why I love this community. It’s a community that accepts challenges that aren’t mere distractions form a daily grind. This community seeks and accepts difficulty, and seems bored with easier approaches. Teaching a Sonic class as always felt to me like a brief opportunity to be at the front of a group of seekers and lead them into a battle they’ve chosen to fight. A heavy responsibility, and a rare privilege. Thank you.

Hari Om

Keith