Discovering Our Fullness: Embracing Purṇatva in Yoga

In Anusara Yoga, we honor the divine as an intrinsic part of who we are, recognizing that our journey is unapologetically spiritual. Yoga philosophy flows through our teachings, not as something external but as a reflection of our inner essence. The divine is not “out there” somewhere; it is in us, in the breath, in the trees, in every bird, and in the very earth beneath us. From the tantric perspective, separation is an illusion—everything is divine, everything is whole.

Our lineage, rooted in Kashmir Shaivism, reminds us that “it’s all Shiva”—the divine consciousness permeates everything. So, when we speak of the divine attributes, we’re speaking about you. We’re reminding you of your own divine nature, of your inner fullness, and of the inherent completeness that is Purṇatva, or fullness.

The Divine Attribute of Fullness (Purṇatva)

In Sanskrit, Purṇatva literally means “fullness” or “wholeness.” It’s the understanding that we are enough, exactly as we are, right in this moment. This fullness is an essential quality of the divine, and by extension, it’s an essential part of us. Yoga doesn’t add anything to us; it simply removes the layers of illusion—the belief that we’re somehow not enough, that we’re flawed, or that we’re incomplete. Every time we experience fullness in life, whether by witnessing nature’s beauty, marveling at the abundance of fruit trees, or noticing the air and water sustaining us, we are reminded of this divine fullness.

A Physical Practice of Fullness

One way to reconnect with fullness is through physical alignment, which brings a tangible awareness of our own completeness. Let’s explore this fullness through a quick exercise:

1. Slump and Shrink – Begin by bringing your hands to your shoulders, rolling them forward, and collapsing your chest. Allow yourself to slump forward, dropping your head and even putting a frown on your face. Do you feel complete, strong, or whole in this position? Likely not.

2. Expand and Align – Now, inhale as you bring your fingertips behind your seat bones, pressing into the floor and lengthening through your spine. Roll your shoulders back, opening your chest as you lift and align your body. Imagine your inner body brightening as you stretch from your hips to your shoulders. This posture, which we call inner body brightness, is a physical manifestation of fullness. Feel the alignment of your ears, shoulders, and hips, and notice the sense of completeness it brings.

3. Breathe Into Your Fullness – Take a deep breath, feeling the belly rise, the ribs expand, and your inner being grow brighter with each inhale. This is Purṇatva, an embodied sense of wholeness. It’s a reminder that you are perfect, just as you are.

Returning to Wholeness

In life, we often lose touch with this feeling. Our day-to-day struggles, self-judgments, and the challenges we face can make us feel fragmented or lacking. But yoga is here to help us remember. Every time we step onto the mat, we reconnect with the divine within, with our intrinsic wholeness. Through this practice, we learn that we are already enough.

Yoga invites us into a rhythm of remembering and forgetting. We come to the mat and remember our fullness, then go back into the world and sometimes forget. Over time, though, this remembrance grows stronger, until fullness becomes part of our everyday experience. When life gets tough, taking this physical position of alignment and expansion—feeling your body’s natural fullness—can bring you back to that place of “enoughness.”

Embrace Your Fullness

Let Purṇatva, this fullness, be your guide. The practice of yoga teaches us that the more we remember our wholeness, the more we embody it in every aspect of our lives. As we align physically, mentally, and spiritually, we come to realize that we don’t need to add anything to ourselves. We simply need to remove the illusions that obscure our true nature.

This journey toward fullness is the essence of yoga—it’s the practice of coming home to yourself again and again, each time with a little more understanding and compassion. Remember, you are already whole, already divine, and already enough.