Pose of the month, Warrior 2 (Sanskrit-Virabhdrasana 2)

This pose is named after the warrior, Virabhdra, and his symbolic slaying of the ego.  The pose has the quality of a warrior with sword in hand ready to swing, move or strike in any direction.  Besides its many physical benefits this pose improves mental clarity and determination and we are ready and able to adapt, change and move in any direction life asks of us. Continue reading →

Wild Thing Pose (Sanskrit-Camatkarasana) Pose of the Month

Do you need to turn things upside down this month?  Try this pose.  Wild Thing also called “flip your dog” is a variation on several poses like wheel, side plank and down dog. 

The pose is best done after sun salutations and the body is warmed up.  Hold down dog and plank for several breaths and then move on to side plank to effectively warm and prepare the arms, shoulders and core muscles.  Care should be taken for any shoulder or wrist issues.

From down dog shift weight into the left side of the body and lift the right leg up and back for 3 legged dog.  Inhale as you bend the right knee and lift the foot to the ceiling and begin to draw the foot towards the left side of the body. Stack the hips keeping the foot and knee high and pause to stretch out the right side of the body.  Exhale as you continue reaching the right foot over the left side eventually lowering the toe to the floor. As you flip the dog the right hand follows and you find yourself upside down. Continue reading →

One of the original poses from which all other poses are based is mountain pose or the Sanskrit Tadasana.  This seemingly easy pose has many fine points of alignment.

Start by standing upright.  Notice how your body stands without any conscious effort.  Just stand as you do.  Now, let’s build mountain pose.  With your feet hip width apart and parallel to each other, spread your toes apart and settle them down creating a base for your mountain.

Inhale and exhale softly through the nose.  On your next exhale slightly bend the knees then on the inhale straighten them.  Continue this movement with the breath several times to gain awareness of the knees and notice the energy built by the movement against gravity.  Now allow the knees to straighten as you keep a soft micro bend in them. Continue reading →

Archer Pose (Sanskrit Akarna Danurasana) is one of the oldest yoga poses and in fact not much is known about its origins.  So, like many ancient poses there are many variations and different benefits of the pose depending on how it is done.

There are three main variations, two seated in staff pose and one standing as a warrior pose.