Mindfulness and Yoga in Schools A Guide for Teachers and Practitioners

CHAPTER 11: on THE mAT: foRmAl YogA PRACTICES foR SElf-REgulATIon And EngAgEmEnT • 251

PoSE 11.20 EAglE PoSE

Pose Eagle Pose

Instruct From standing, bring your arms to goal-

post arms, upper arms extended and

parallel to the floor, elbows bent, hands

pointing up. Press your left foot into your

mat and begin to bend at the knee as

you bring your right leg up and over your

left leg, crossing at the thighs. Some like

to hook their right foot around the back

of the left calf. Sink your hips toward

the floor as you lift the crown of your

head toward the ceiling. Cross your right

arm under your left and then wrap your

forearms together, clasping your hands

at the centerline of your body or placing

hands back to back.

Anchor Point The grounded foot and center-line of your

body. Focal point is forward.

Breath Work Slow deep intentional breaths. Watch for

holding breath during balance poses.

Photograph by Madison Weber; model Kayla Tiedemann.

Source: Flynn, 2013; Gillen & Gillen, 2007; Herrington, 2012; Walsh, 2008.

Airplane Pose

Airplane Pose is considered a balancing pose. It can help improve balance and coordina-
tion (Flynn, 2013). Airplane Pose strengthens and stretches the hamstrings, back, and arms
(Flynn, 2013).

PoSE 11.21 AIRPlAnE PoSE