3 ARCHER WARRIOR OF LOVE
Standing at the top of your mat, step your left foot back, placing the left heel down so the
pinkie-edge side of the foot is parallel with the back edge of the mat. Bend the right knee
so it is directly over the right ankle. On an inhale, open the arms wide. On the exhale, take
the left hand all the way to the right hand and, as if you were drawing the string of a bow,
bend your left arm, taking the elbow back (A). On the next inhale, hold the pose and think
about someone you love, maybe even exclaiming his or her name. On the exhale, lift the
right arm up, tilt the left elbow down, and release your arrow into the air, sending out a
message of love (B). Repeat on the other side. Use this pose to consider all the people you
love in your life—or maybe just one who might need a little extra love right now—and
commit to sharing your love freely, as a child would.4 BIG JET PLANE
Stand at the top of your mat with your feet hip-width apart. On an inhale, bring weight
into the right leg, draw the navel in, and extend the arms along your sides as if they were
airplane wings. On the exhale, keep the gaze forward, begin to tilt the torso forward, and
lift the left leg off the ground behind you. Hold the pose for 5 breaths and imagine where
you want to go on your next adventure. If you fall, remember that—like many hiccups
in life—it’s just a small stumble on your journey, and you can get back up and try again.
Repeat on the other side.5 SUPPORTED TREE
Stand at the top of your mat, feet hip-distance apart, side by side with your friend. On an
inhale, press your open palms out to the side, meeting one of your friend’s. On an exhale,
press your right foot into the ground, and imagine yourself growing roots out through
your soles. On the next inhale, bring the left foot to the inside of the right leg, either above
or below the knee. Hold the pose for 5 full breaths. Feel the support of your friend and the
earth. Notice how you can do more together than you could on your own. If practicing
solo, you can use a wall for support. Repeat on the other side. Whether using the wall or
your friend’s hand, recognise that there’s always someone or something out there to
support your pursuit of play. And keep in mind that you don’t have to do everything on
your own—it’s okay to ask for help or company.3
4
5
B
A
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april 2016yogajournal.com.au