Anantasana- Vishnu’s Couch- Netflix Pose
Many Yoga poses take their names from figures in Hindu Mythology. Ananta is the great serpent, whose body was used to stir up the ocean of milk that created the universe. The gods and the demons used Ananta in a great game of tug-o-war, which caused the endless ocean of milk to churn, giving rise to the universe. Now Ananta rests, eternally watching the coming and goings of the cosmos. On his great coiled body sleeps Vishnu, the one who sustains the universe. As Vishnu goes, incarnates in the physical world, and returns to rest upon his couch, Ananta, the great snake, remains. He floats for all eternity on the vast ocean, watching the coming and goings of the cosmos. Ananta’s propensity for long observation might be why modern yogis have affectionately rebranded Vishnu’s Couch as Netflix Pose. While Ananta is designed for an eternity as an observer, we are not. Sedentary life style habits have all kinds of deleterious effects on our bodies and minds. This pose is a gentle way to break up the stillness and get moving. Turn off the T.V and watch yourself instead. You won’t regret it.
What to do:
Lie on your left side with your legs straight.
Rest your head on left upper arm or maybe in your left hand.
Feel the entire length of your left aside, notice all the space directly around you.
Choose a still point on the floor to focus your gaze.
Press the left hip down and engage the core.
Bend the right knee and capture your big toe with the right fingers.
Carefully, curiously, try to straighten the right leg,
Stay for one-two minutes (or longer) watching your breath move in and out.
Release the foot as you slowly lower the leg.
Rest for a moment before doing the other side.
Benefits:
Brings the awareness deep inside.
Strengthens the whole mid-section.
Opens the hips and legs.
Super safe balancing practice.
Increases energy, gently stokes the fire.
Modifications:
Use a strap to hold the foot.
Extend the bottom arm out in front of you to help with balance. A block or blanket under the head will be nice in this case.
