There are 4 sequential ways to direct awareness during asana practice:
BODY: The awareness is focused on the actual physical movements, the interaction between the various components of the body, i.e. bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, abdominal organs, etc.. This method of practice includes single-pointedness in the physical body.
MIND: The focus is placed on disassociating from the thoughts arising in the mind as the body stretches further into the asana.
BREATH: The body and mind focuses are integrated through breath. In addition to the awareness of physical and mental movements described above, individual movements are synchronized with the breath. The movements become slower, which in turn slows the brain waves, increasing the breath capacity, further enhancing relaxation and awareness.
SOUND: The final practice is to coordinate and integrate the following: reaching with the body, stilling the mind, enhancing the breath, and releasing sound. In each asana in Sound Body YOGA the breath is exhaled on the mantra ‘AUM’, uniting all the participants with one sound and synchronous breath.