Australian Yoga Journal – July 2019

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july 2019

yogajournal.com.au

VRKSASANA Tree Pose

This posture can be a real-time training ground for

learning how your nervous system responds to being

startled. Remember, your practice is not about never

feeling scared (or angry, happy, sad; you get the drift).

Rather, it’s about awareness of your feelings—and

how quickly you can return to calm.

HOW-TO: Begin standing, with your feet together

and firmly rooted into the floor. Pick up your right leg,

turn your thigh open, and place your right foot

above or below your knee. Find a steady gaze

and a comfortable hand position. Rather than trying

to balance perfectly, allow yourself to wobble.

Take 15-20 breaths; switch sides.

ANJANEYASANA LowLunge

Oneofthemainmusclesthatgetsoveractivatedand

tightenedduetostressis thepsoas.LowLungeis a

greatwaytoreleasethismuscle.Becauseofthe

psoas’proximitytothediaphragm,releasingit will

alsohelpyoubreathemoreeasily.

HOW-TO:Stepyourleftlegbackintoa lunge.Inhale

tobringyourtorsoupright.Keepyourpelvisliftedoff

ofyourfrontthightolengthenyourspineandhelp

youisolateyourdeeperhipflexors(includingthe

psoas).Reachyourarmsoverheadtoopenyourfront

bodyevenmoreandtoigniteyourbreath.Stayhere

for10-15breaths,thenrepeatontheotherside.

TADASANA Mountain Pose

This posture is a great way to stay centred when

you’re waiting to board. Energetically, Mountain

Pose connects you to both the earth beneath and the

heavens above, helping you feel grounded even

when you’re about to travel high into the air.

HOW-TO: Stand with your feet together or hip-width

apart. Imagine the arches of your feet are suction cups,

drawing energy up from the earth. Firm your legs

and keep your chest broad and lifted as your front ribs

draw in toward your navel. Lengthen the back of

your neck, as if the top of your head is tethered to

the heavens. Observe your breath in this posture for

1 minute or longer.

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