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Fall 2018 week 3: Balance

Balance involves not only the body’s ability to find its ever-changing place in the world viz. gravity, but also equanimity of mind – and the physical and psychological components of balance can both support and detract from each other. We need core, focus, and breath – the link between the physical and psychological -to achieve balance/equanimity, the magical place between effort and ease, in asana practice and in life. So, let’s practice!

Vrksasana | Tree pose

Draw energy up inside of standing leg.

Crescent lunge & Balanced Warrior I

Top photos: Remain on ball of back foot as you lower knee to hover just above floor.
Bottom photos: draw heel down as for standing poses, then lift both heels up and arms reach out; back leg remains straight.

Utthita padanghustasana | Hand to big toe pose

Step into strap, straighten leg, and extend forward, to side, adding twist only if your balance is steady. Keep seat bones level at all times (uplifted leg’s sit bone tends to hike up).

Natrajasana variations | Dancer’s pose variations

Hold back foot from inside and keep knee moving back (not to side). Push front of hip of uplifted leg forward, draw abdominals in strongly.
Keep elbows near ears, draw shoulder blades down. Push front of hip of uplifted leg forward, draw abdominals in strongly.

Happy, healthy balancing! 🙂

~namaste,

Sylvia