From strong roots, the freshly planted grapevine is trained to grow straight up along its post, and then to extend outward as it flourishes. Daily attendance to its adherence to that center line is required for its healthy, sustainable development. The same central axis exists within our bodies. The spinal column, sushumna nadi, the energetic channel: this is our guide post to train the body and access abundant growth. If we learn to align our bodies with that central axis as our guide, the posture becomes a vehicle for prana, or life-energy to move freely. Space for breath, focus for the mind, and strength for the body are all accessed by training ourselves to be ever mindful of the position of the spine. Proper yoga practice teaches us to move with awareness of the lines of the body and express the vitality held in our roots.
the vine: YOGA 