DiscsThe Spiral Dynamic
The spiral is the universal dynamic of formation, growth, structure, motion and expression: it is the dynamic of life itself. It governs and integrates not only the macrocosmic formation of galaxies, and the microcosmic formation of the genetic code, but also the growth of organisms and motions of the planets. It is at the heart of structural integrity (a galaxy, the body) and functional integrity (spinning planteary orbits, the integrity of yoga postures). The spiral is also the structural keynote of the human body that forms spiralically in the womb as the most spectacular fruit of millions of years of evolution. The spiral form is found in the shape of the heart, the ear, as well as every strand of dna.
Human musculature functions spiralically. Two complementary sheaths of muscles spiral from toe to head and resist, complement and balance each other. This generates a spiral dynamic of action that is the natural expression of the inherent integrity of the body: as well as being the energetic dynamic of the bandhas. The inherent integrity of the body has, is and always will function and express itself as much as we allow it to. This renders yoga practice a process of inviting and allowing the spiral dynamic to express itself, rather than demanding or imposing any intention on the body's natural intelligence and wisdom.
The spiral dynamic is the key to yoga posture practice. Origintaing in the core of the body in the dynamic between Mulabandha and Uddyanabandha it spirals out into the limbs through the inherent interconnections between the body parts. The lower body is integrated spirallically from the feet through the legs and pelvis into the lower back (Padabandha). The upper body is integrated spirallically from the hands through the arms and ribcage into the lower back (Hastabandha). In combination they integrate the spine through the relationship between the pelvis and the ribcage (merubandha), and that between the skull and the shoulders (Jalandharabandha). Without the unification of the spiral dynamic yoga posture practice is ineffective: either lacking integrity or swamped in the pursuit of disconnected details.