The legs are controlled by the root chakra (Muladhara). All family matters, especially the division of roles, responsibilities, and duties within the family, have a significant influence on this body part. Additionally, the ability to fulfill tasks according to dharma in life is also connected to the legs, especially the hamstring muscles. For example, if a child tries to assume the role of a mother, they lose their own function within the family. The role of a child is to be a child, and the role of a mother is to mother and care for the child. It should not be the other way around. When one takes on the role of another, we are unable to fully utilize our own potential, leading to a sense of being trapped in life. Another example is a person who is a manager but does not behave like a leader towards their subordinates. If we take on a managerial role, we must fulfill our duties accordingly. Otherwise, energy becomes blocked, leading to stagnation in life.
Let’s analyze this phenomenon using the example of Hanumanasana (splits), one of the most desired asanas in yoga. Someone who struggles with Hanumanasana is likely not at peace with their life roles. They have difficulties accepting the roles they must fulfill, which significantly limits their range of motion. In other words, they are unable to accept their calling. As a result, they try to stay within their comfort zone. The more we cling to our comfort zone, the stiffer our body becomes, making it difficult for us to stretch. Working towards the splits should start with accepting and faithfully fulfilling our life roles and responsibilities.
Feeling limitations in this position indicates resistance. We are unable to fully express our existence and potential. The biggest source of this resistance lies in past experiences. As long as accumulated experiences around the hips are not understood and processed, they will inevitably cast a shadow on the present. Although the physical expression of Hanumanasana signifies releasing the hips, legs, and posterior chain, what arises within the practitioner goes beyond the physical experience. Hanumanasana symbolizes the courage to step out of the comfort zone, reveal our own identity, accept inherited family traits, and be ready to reject them when the appropriate time comes. As the splits position intensely stretches the hips, it simultaneously stimulates the area of memory (smriti) to facilitate our understanding of life experiences and stepping beyond the comfort zone.
