yoga

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.

Apps and Ayurveda might seem like oxymorons and, at first glance, they probably don’t share much beyond their alliteration. However, several new iPhone and Android apps allow users to make their Ayurvedic lifestyle easier and more realistic.

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.

Bloating, cramps, headaches, body aches, swelling, breast tenderness, mood swings -- is this what we were destined for? To a young girl newly entering puberty I knew nothing better. I entered the era of menstruation without proper initiation or training. I had no wisdom-woman grooming me in the way to consciously awaken into my womanhood. I only had societal conditioning, programming, and a mother who grew up with shame and guilt around bleeding.

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.

When I was at yoga school in India I encountered many other students who were also on an Ayurvedic path. It was actually my first interface with Ayurveda in action. I remember seeing one student in particular who sat with a bowl full of soaked almonds in the morning, peeling the skins, adding them to the yogic diet we were already being fed. My interest was immediately piqued. I was interested in what he was doing, as he obviously chose almonds over any other food to bring to our silent morning meals.

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.

Wellness Wednesday 67: Table Pose / Ardha Purvottanasana

Benefits:

Great core strengthener.

Engages entire body.

Great starter pose for backbends.

Foundation & General Alignment:

Feet are hip width apart and pointing away from body.

Legs are bent at the knees.

Body is raised up with weight supported on hands and feet.

Hands are pointing towards feet, shoulder width apart.

Body is straight, whole body is engaged.