An asana theory class that explores how to create Samastithi. Below you find three sets of instructions for creating a poised, animated Samasthiti position. The instructions focus on aligning yourself dynamically along your central
Shushuma axis, the glorious pillar of light. I suggest you memorize them and work with them in both Samasthiti and Sirsasana.

Instruction One for Samasthiti:
Stand tall and organize your stance along the imaginary vertical axis that spans from the crown of your head to your foot arches into the earth. Create your
position by ‘stacking’ your main body masses along the vertical line. Work in a descending order beginning at the top:
– Head
– Torso
– Pelvis
– Legs
– Feet

Instruction Two for Samasthiti:
This instruction is subtler than the previous. You will need to use physical cues from the body masses to hone in on specific inner locations. In this manner you
will be able to use more precision and discernment to create your posture. First, find the dynamism that comes with standing upright. To stand vertical and alive
is a rare event, partly because it requires your full attention. Arrange your joints along the vertical axis. Begin at the top of your head and work down vertically
stacking the center of the:
– Ears
– Shoulders
– Pelvis
– Knees
– Ankles

Instruction Three for Samasthiti:
To formulate a clear mental image of the middle vertical axis as a pillar of light, you imagine a series of nine spotlights situated at regular intervals along the
the centerline of your body from the crown of your head to your feet. By imagining that each of the nine spotlights stacks vertically over the other you can learn to
form a well-organized pillar of light that first, dynamically aligns your skeleton; secondly, brings you to a ‘neutral’, ‘zero’ or ‘empty’ position; and thirdly, awakens you to the flow of prana (life force energy) that travels throughout your body in a vast system of energetic channels (nadis).