Move

Let’s face it: being human isn’t easy. Everyday we are called by curiosity, challenged by confusion and contradiction, confronted with choice, provoked by wonder and awe. We travel a vast emotional landscape, often times getting swept away in a storm of thoughts that pull us far from our bodies, uproot us from our homes and lead us into sentiments of separation. As spirit, living in a human body, we are tasked with the endeavor of exploring our limitless potential within the constraints of our physical reality.

Wind Relieving Pose/ Pavanamuktasana Left

Benefits:

Stretches legs.

Massages back.

Can also help relieve gas.

Foundation & General Alignment:

Start lying on back, bring one knee up towards chest and grip with both hands. Keep other leg on ground.

Shoulders are flat on ground.

Arms are gently pulling knee inward.

Back is flat on ground.

Toes on both feet are pointed.

Head is on ground, neck has a natural curve.

Common Problems:

Firefly Pose/ Tittibhasana

Benefits:

Helps improve balance.

Strengthens arms and legs.

Stretches back.

Foundation & General Alignment:

Start in a squatting position, bring legs up around arms as high as possible, slowly raise legs up off floor as high as possible.

Arms are straight but not hyperextended.

Entire body is toned and flexed.

Legs are as straight as possible.

Hips are low to ground so toes are pointing upwards.

Feet are flexed.

I practiced yoga for many years before I actually knew what Hatha Yoga meant. If you don’t know, it’s nothing to be ashamed of -- it’s been trendy to practice pieces of Hatha Yoga for years without a deeper understanding.  Yet the actual meaning of what so many are participating in and the journey they are activating within is extremely transformational. The intention and frequency behind the concept “Hatha Yoga” is incredibly deep and profound and I’d like to discuss it here.

King Cobra/ Raja Bhujangasana

Benefits:

Stretches front of body.

Opens chest.

Is a very deep back bend, can be a beginner back bend.

Foundation & General Alignment:

Start by laying on stomach, place hands on sides of body and slowly lift shoulders up. Bend back as far you are comfortably able to. Slowly raise feet up towards head.

Toes are pointed, can be touching head.

Legs are engaged.

Low belly is pulled in, and front of body is flexing.

Monkey King Pose/ Hanumanasana

Benefits:

Stretches the legs completely.

Stimulates the abdominal organs.

Foundation & General Alignment:

Can start in a wide legged pose and slowly work your way down into the full position.

Keep whole body engaged.

Back toes are pointed while front foot is flexed.

Arms are raised above head to engage the back.

Flex core to engage the tummy.

If arms are raised keep shoulders down and raised from ears.

A lot of women wonder if it is okay to practice yoga during menstruation. Aside from avoiding certain postures and keeping the vibe mellow, engaging the body in a healthy yoga routine during moon time can help you both embody more fully, and transcend all at the same time. Here are a few tips for yoga while mooning.

Wide Angle Seated Forward Bend/Upavishta Konasana

Benefits:

Stretches hips, thighs and calves.

Helps open hips.

Foundation & General Alignment:

Start in a seated position, legs are spread as wide as comfortable. Place hands on ground in front of you and slowly walk them away from your body, working your chest to the floor.

Arms are flat on floor.

Tummy is engaged.

Shoulders are back and away from ears.

Back is evenly extended.

Supported Shoulder Stand/Sarvangasana

Benefits:

Tones legs.

Stretches shoulders and neck.

Can help improve digestion.

Calms brain and helps reveal stress and depression.

Foundation & General Alignment:

Start in bridge pose, place hands on low back.

Slowly lift feet off ground and bring them over head.

Foundation is backs of arms, upper back, and head.

Entire body is engaged.

Legs are not straight up into air, feet are either pointed or flexed.

Half Boat Pose / Ardha Navasana 

Benefits:

Strengthens core.

Improves posture.

Can strengthen arms, legs, and back.

Foundation & General Alignment:

Start sitting up with knees bent and towards chest.

Lean back and at the same time raise feet up, keep knees bent.

Balance body solely on butt bones.

Keep entire body engaged.

Back is as straight as possible.

Hands are extended out in front of body or can also be at sides.