Bridging the Gap

The phrase “bridging the gap” came up in a conversation recently and got me thinking. Bridge, as an asana, is basically shaped like a bridge, hence the name. Simple enough explanation, right?

But there are layers to this pose that are reflected by its name. As an engineered structure, a bridge provides passage from one place to another; it links two places, potentially connecting communities and creating lines of communication between them. Bridges are vital for continuing a journey when you reach an impassable obstacle or a natural break in the road.

Bridge Pose is an important foundational asana in yoga. It creates connection and communication between the upper body and lower body, with the primary arc of the “bridge” extending from 1st chakra (legs) through 2nd and 3rd chakra (hips/pelvis and solar plexus) to 4th chakra (heart) - the 4 lower chakras being the grounded, earth-bound, more material-focused energy centers of the body (the roots and trunk of the tree, as discussed in Imagine Yourself as a Tree…). For the upper chakras - the esoteric, spiritual, ephemerally-oriented chakras - to be fully integrated and activated, they need the support of connected, activated, grounded lower chakras.

Bridge builds this support for the whole body and the chakra system. Even though action of the pose is lifting the body up, it’s a grounding pose because of the energetic and physical actions of rooting down to create lift.

The pose lengthens out the low back and realigns the pelvis, effectively “bridging the gap” between 2nd and 3rd chakras, allowing communication on the energetic level and freedom of movement on the physical level. It’s a backbend (arching the spine backwards) that strengthens the back, allowing the spine to be more supple, and exposes the front of the body - the most vulnerable part of our anatomy, both physically and emotionally. When we practice bridge, we tap into strength and presence from our roots (legs) and back-body to support the flow of energy through the lower chakras and allow emotional expansion and release through heart chakra.

Bridge also facilitates the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds and suspends the spinal cord. This fluid is a conduit for neurotransmitters communicating between the tissues of the body and the central nervous system. When practicing bridge, we’re literally opening up lines of communication between the body and mind, in addition to the energetic communication between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd chakras!

This week, especially when you do your home practice, keep these ideas in mind! While you’re in Bridge, feel into your own body and energetic system and observe what kinds of connections you’re making within yourself. As a passage from one place to another, where is Bridge taking you?

I’d love to hear about your own experiences with Bridge and what you feel as you explore the connections it creates!