AS we move towards a nation that is more conscious about living holistically, we learn that there are more ways to find that balance between movement and peace. What better way to do this than yoga?
On June 21 we celebrated the 9th annual International Day of Yoga, with this year’s theme being celebrating our collective aspiration for “one Earth, one family, one future”. Yoga is not only considered a great meditative practice but also an imperative practice in a world that requires you to be in a constant state of motion. Rush to get the kids to school, rush to get to work, rush to get home, rush to get supper, but never a moment for stillness.
Here we share some basic poses that you can incorporate in your day when you need a moment for calm:
Child’s Pose
… is yoga’s most important resting posture and it is a nice way to gently stretch various parts of your body such as your shoulders, back, hips, thighs, neck, and ankles. It is also a great relief for back pain.
Sit on your knees on your mat, spreading your knees as wide as your mat, the tops of your feet touching the floor.
Shift forward resting your tummy between your thighs and root your forehead to the floor. Relaxing your shoulders as you stretch your arms out in front of you, palms towards the floor. Allow your thumbs to rest next to each other, taking steady breaths.
Tree Pose
… is usually the first standing pose that is taught to beginners because it’s the simplest. Don’t take it too hard if you wobble at first, it gets easier. This pose strengthens the core and opens the hips while stretching the thigh muscles.
Root both feet into the floor, once you are comfortable, shift your weight into your right foot, lifting your left foot off the floor.
It is important to keep the right leg straight but not lock the knee.
Bend your left knee and bring the sole of your left foot into the inner thigh as high as you can.
Press your foot into your thigh to balance your weight and focus to stay still. Take a few breaths before releasing and do the same on the other foot.
Downward Facing Dog
… is the most common yoga pose, often used for comedy in movies. However, it is an amazing pose for strengthening your legs.
Curling forward from a standing position, plant your hands in front of you and step back one foot at a time.
Head dangling between your arms, your feet planted behind you, creating an upside-down v shape. The distance between your hands and feet should be the same to ensure your heels are planted on the floor and no strain on your back.
Stay for a few breaths before releasing and rolling slowly back up into a standing pose.
If this has piqued your interest, please check out some of the local yoga studios:
And for our Cape Town peeps:
Leave a Reply