Tired of feeling tired? Tired of the cold? Do something about it and you will feel better. As Madonna would say, “Don’t just stand there, just get to it. Strike a pose there’s nothin’ to it. Pose!” Okay, so I made the last bit up, but it works and if nothing else, I made myself chuckle :)
Generate some internal heat and power in Warrior I pose.
To get into Warrior I:- Step forward with either leg.
- Your front leg is in a lunge-as deep as your knee will allow without feeling pain in your knee. Your knee should track over your center toes.
Your back leg is straight and your back foot will be pointing at about 10:00. Your back foot is on your mat. Press into the back edge of the back foot.
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Make sure your hips stay square and that both hips are facing forward. If the hip of the back leg isn’t facing forward, try taking a half step out to the side, toward the edge of your mat. Lengthen through the spine and lift your arms. Let your attention rest on your breath.
Let your shoulder blades melt down your back, so you aren’t holding extra tension in the shoulders and neck. Surrender to the pose.
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If you have a shoulder injury, you can bring your palms together at your heart in the prayer position.
Stay there and find your edge. If you have knee pain, back out of the pose and narrow your lunge. If your leg starts to burn, embrace it. You are alive and growing stronger with each breath!
Find a focal point to stay strong and present. Inhale fully-all the way down into the bottom of the lungs. If your mind wanders, bring it back to the breath.
Note how strong and stable your lower body feels.
Continue to lift and feel light throughout the upper body.
Benefits of Warrior I Pose:
Strengthens the legs (the back and the front).
Strengthens the ankles.
Opens the chest and heart. It is a good counter pose to all of the rounding and hunching we do when we are cold, driving, are on electronic devices, etc.
Tones the abdominal organs which helps them to work more efficiently and effectively.
Tones the shoulders when the arms are extended.
Improves flexibility and mobility of the joints.
Fosters mental clarity and improves concentration.
After your yoga practice, take time to close your eyes and rest your attention on your breath.
Still want to escape the cold, indulge yourself yet grow and nurture your physical and mental health? Try a luxury yoga retreat with Blue Lotus Yoga Retreats. We are now offering a $100 discount if you book by March 1st and your name will be entered into a drawing to win your retreat for FREE. The odds of winning are 1 in 40!
Visit www.bluelotusyogaretreats.com
https://www.facebook.com/BlueLotusYogaRetreats or
http://www.inspirationtravel.com/pages/yogaretreats/for more information on our beautiful retreats to Mexico and Sedona, Arizona.
In peace and light,
Jen Derham, MA, NCSP, EdS
School Psychologist, Certified Yoga Instructor, and Owner of Blue Lotus Yoga Retreats
