Releasing Powerful Emotions

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THE LION POSE (SIMHASANA)

Originally published June 5, 2020

 

“In the Lion pose, I am learning to contact the source of power within myself. When I embody Durga’s power, I can conquer my demons instead of hiding them or projecting them out onto someone else. The Lion shows me that powerful emotions don’t have to be choked back or flung out. They can be released with the breath, transformed through sound, and elevated through intention.”
~ Swami Lalitananda, Inner Life of Asanas

With all that has come up this last week – the tragic death of George Floyd and the resultant protests (peaceful and otherwise), all against the backdrop of an ongoing pandemic – many of us are experiencing very powerful emotions, such as fear and anger. Here is a practice that can help with releasing these powerful emotions and getting to know the power within oneself.

PRACTICING SIMHASANA

You will need a journal or notebook and a quiet space to practice.

Prepare by chanting OM to warm up the vocal cords and to create a safe and sacred space.

  1. Choose the sitting position that’s right for you, depending on your degree of flexibility and practice: kneeling; sitting cross-legged, placing the left foot under the right buttock, the right foot under the left buttock (doing it the opposite way the second time); or sitting in the Lotus pose (padmasana).
  2. Chant Om three times, listening to the sound and feeling the vibration fill your body.
  3. Pounce! Bring your weight forward, place the palms on the knees and spread the fingers; or bring the whole body forward, placing your palms on the floor to support yourself. Firm the buttocks, tuck the tailbone and open the chest.
  4. As you move from sitting to springing forward, open your jaws, stretch your tongue out toward your chin, lift your eyes upward and exhale. You can exhale with simply the sound of your breath or with a roar, allowing the sound to come forth naturally. Take care not to strain the throat or vocal cords.
  5. Come back to your seated position. Relax.

REFLECTIONS

Reflect on the following as you move through the Lion pose. Allow thoughts, memories, body awareness and insights to arise. Take time to write your insights:

  • What is the relationship between anger and fear?
  • Where can you be courageous and leap forward wholeheartedly?
  • Observe the effects of chanting OM and the sound of your roar. What emotions are expressed in your breath, in your voice? What can be released? Which voice within yourself do you give power to?

GOING FURTHER

“The lion is a symbol for the sun and the sun is a symbol of the highest wisdom.”
~Swami Sivananda Radha, Hatha Yoga: The Hidden Language

Do a series of Sun Salutations, invoking the Light of wisdom. Rest and observe any thoughts and feelings that arise. Write your insights.

END RELAXATION AND REVIEW

Move through any other stretches or asanas your body is asking for. End with Savasana, focusing on your breath, and allowing your body and mind to relax.

Review your notes and reflect on what you have learned. If possible, share your reflection with a friend or other yoga practitioner.