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Wheel Pose, Chakrasana or Urdhva Dhanulrasana is a powerful backbend, as well as a part of the finishing sequence in Ashtanga Yoga. If you want flexibility of the spine, this is a must posture to practice, but simpler variations or less intense should be practiced prior to advancing into wheel (such as Bridge, Camel, Upward Dog, Cobra...) Practice and the flexibility will increase, but consistency is a must.
Wild Thing is the name of this week's posture, also known as Flipping the Downward Dog, in Sanskrit is Camatkarasana-- goodness, so many things in this one sweet pose: above all, it's a wonderful chest & heart opening posture; it stretches the hips & the hip flexors; it somewhat creates an ideal opportunity for backhands & balancing as well as energizing the entire body. Also, it is a grace filled pose; it encourages the practitioner to be present in the moment, to truly enjoy each breath, to create more room & space & opportunities in one's mind and body.
Side Plank Pose (in Sanskrit Vasisthasana), or shall I say it's one of the variations of Side Plank, which is perhaps one of my favorite yoga postures, because I find it not only a posture that challenges one in the physical body, but increases mental focus and creates an overall balanced being. It comes from the Sanskrit word, "Vasistha" which means " best" or "most excellent". It strengthens the arms, wrists, oblique and abdominal muscles. This particular variation, stretches the top leg, especially the inner thigh/adductor muscles. This posture can be practiced with the forearm on the mat (for those with arthritic wrists or carpal tunnel syndrome). One must practice the pose on both sides of the body and holding the posture for several lengthy calm breaths.
Lord of the Dance/ Dancer Pose/ Natarajasana it is a standing balancing posture, a challenging back band and a chest /heart opener. Practice the posture on both sides of the body. In the photo the posture is demonstrated as partner practicing pose. I have been blessed to have my little yogi Karlisse, my daughter has been practicing yoga since she was inside during the three trimesters and ever since. However, the pose can be practiced on your own or with any partner who is willing to share some quality time through a yoga practice.
Reverse Warrior, also I call it graceful warrior, it is perhaps one of my favorite standing postures/asanas; it is a graceful yet strengthening pose. Front leg is bent to 90 degrees or less; back leg is lengthened; front arm is reaching skyward while back arm is extended towards the lengthened back leg. Breathe in the pose for several breaths than repeat on the opposite side.
Practice it daily and feel stronger in body and spirit. The pose was taken by the Washington Monument in Washington DC during a brief family travel at the cherry blossoms time of the year and it is absolutely beautiful!
Peaceful Warrior or Viparita Virabhadrasana yoga posture while taking a short hike at Putnam State Park. If you are looking for a challenge while having fun try practicing any yoga pose in random places, such as on a fence, rocks, sand, or anything other that your yoga mat. It adds a new dimension to your yoga practice. This great standing posture is one of my favorites, strengthens and lengthens the legs; opens the chest and heart; increases focus and stamina. Practice pose on both sides!
Eagle Pose/ Garudasana - If you have tight and tense shoulders this pose is for you! It will release the tension from your upper back and it will leave your body and mind feeling calm and balanced. Repeat the pose on both sides (for both arms and legs, work on double hooking arms and legs for a deeper sense of release for both upper and lower body).
The Wild Thing is the pose for our week ahead! This pose is magic, especially when practiced in the great outdoors. It truly invigorates. Sanskrit name is called Camatkarasana. This asana/yogic posture offers a whole lot of things in one; it opens the chest and the heart, physically and emotionally); it builds full body strength; it stretches the hips & hip flexors; it energizes and provides a nice starting point for other back bends; also it is a graceful balancing pose as well.
Dreaming Dancer Pose--Natarajasana is a standing balancing and back bending pose that challenges and strengthens. It requires steadiness and focus as well as it increase both with practice.
Eagle Pose or Garudhasana is a powerful standing balancing pose for the body and the mind. Also increases mental focus, releases tight shoulders and leg muscles. Repeat pose a few times on both sides of the body. Fly out of the pose whenever you are ready to let go, or you're ready to try again. Photo taken by Charles Wills on the Walk Over the Hudson in Hyde Park, NY. It is truly a gorgeous area to walk, run or cycle. You can continue beyond the 2 miler back and forth onto Rails to Trails. You can bring your dog too. Wear the proper shoes and socks (I was grateful that my daughter brought an extra pair of shoes & socks, since my shoes were not for distance walking). Enjoy and find your Bliss this week!
Sukhasana is a hip opening pose, only this one is on a balancing ball. Why not work on your core while finding your balance and increase your mental focus all at once. Have some fun will you? Yoga is about union of mind and body, enjoy the process! Practice and all is coming
Weeping Willow Tree Pose--a standing balancing pose. In this tree pose the arms are flowing, helping one find their balance. A weeping willow is often by water, a calming place; yet it can also be in constant movement just like the wind and the water. Practice this variation of tree pose without getting frustrated, the feet can be grounded or one leg lifted for an added challenge.
Who could not use more focus and balance? Tree Pose, Vrksasana is the posture that helps increase mental focus as well as overall balance. It's a pose that can be practiced anywhere and anytime you can find a few moments to practice some deep inhalations and exhalations while focusing on a non-moving spot, called Drishti, standing on one leg. Anchor firmly, stand tall, breathe deeply; practice Tree Pose on both sides of your body.
Warrior I- Virabhadrasana I is a powerful standing yoga posture that strengthens the entire body. it can be practiced as part of the Sun Salutation or separately. Repeat pose on both sides of the body. Hold pose for 7 to 10 breaths. The pose can be modified: micro bending the back knee, or dropping it to the mat or ground. The back foot can be angled (traditional style) or holding the foot forward holding the weight onto the ball of the foot. Practice it and it will increase your mental focus and physical stamina. Enjoy the practice one breath at a time.
Flying turkeys! Almost as bad as the flying monkeys in The Wizard of Oz!
Every day, we watch 22 turkeys march through the woods behind our house, cross our brook and invade our backyard. This one was perched on the roof of our shed then fly up into one of the trees.