| Each pose is a challenge to be met, and a lesson in | | | | your head. This is a balance move, but I find it very |
| release. There are several "grounding" poses which will | | | | grounding because of the focus on the standing leg, |
| help increase your focus and calm you during your | | | | and the controlled breathing. Slowly lower your leg, and |
| day. You don't have to be an experienced yoga | | | | switch to the other side. Keep your breathing steady. |
| practitioner to reap the benefits of these poses. | | | | 3) Forward Fold - This basic pose loosens the tension |
| Remember to focus your energy downwards. Be | | | | in your back. Start in mountain pose, and slowly raise |
| conscious of the earth beneath you, in all its rhythms. | | | | your arms over your head. Dive down, and let your |
| 1) Mountain Pose - Stand with your feet no more than | | | | whole body relax. Allow the arms to dangle loosely, |
| shoulder width apart, hands loose by your side. Relax | | | | and feel the feet plant into the floor. Inhale deeply, and |
| your shoulders and neck. Your knees should be slightly | | | | as you exhale let your body relax just a little more, |
| bent, not locked. Close your eyes, and let gravity take | | | | folding inwards, head towards the floor. |
| hold. Focus on the feeling of the floor beneath your | | | | 4) Warrior Pose - There is just something about this |
| feet as your weight sinks downwards, and braces | | | | pose that feels powerful, yet at the same time it is |
| you. As with all yoga poses, inhale fully and slowly, and | | | | very meditative. Extend your right leg into a forward |
| exhale completely. | | | | lunge, but don't go too deep. Your torso should face |
| 2) Tree Pose - Start in mountain pose. Slowly let your | | | | the side of the room, but your gaze is over your knee. |
| right foot travel up the inside of your left leg until the | | | | Your arms are lifted, right arm in front extending over |
| arch braces against the inside of the knee. Your free | | | | your bent leg, left arm in back. Sink into the lunge. |
| hip should be turned out. You can bring your hands, | | | | Remember to breathe. |
| palms together, to heart center, or raise them over | | | | |