| If you are going through an intense emotional | | | | as you breathe out place your right foot on the left |
| experience then it is vital you take time to regain your | | | | inner thigh, make sure your left leg is firmly planted to |
| composure, confidence and inner strength. Yoga | | | | the ground. If it is difficult for you to place your right |
| poses offer you the chance to ease your body back | | | | foot on your inner thigh, rest your foot on your left calf. |
| into shape whilst calming your mind and giving your | | | | Bring your hands together at your chest in the prayer |
| spirit space to heal and grieve. | | | | pose. Stays focused on a point ahead of you and |
| Yoga standing poses are ideal to teach you balance | | | | take 3 - 5 rounds of deep breathing. Slowly release |
| and inner calm. As you concentrate and focus your | | | | from the posture and return to the mountain pose |
| awareness of balancing, for example in the tree pose, | | | | before repeating on the other leg. |
| your body learns to adjust to the subtle changes | | | | The Triangle Pose |
| required to shift your focus from external stimulus to a | | | | This pose is ideal to increase your balance and |
| more deeper inner sense of alignment and balance. | | | | concentration. The pose stretches your spine, hips, |
| As a yoga teacher I often remind students that their | | | | arms and shoulders. As you stretch your chest |
| yoga practice is a reflection of their inner world. If your | | | | expands and opens creating space for deeper |
| mind is full and cluttered it is difficult for you to | | | | breathing which helps to release tension and stress in |
| surrender into a balancing pose. You wobble and the | | | | your body. |
| more you try and force yourself to balance, the more | | | | Stand up straight and tall, feet about 3 ½ feet apart, |
| you wobble and you eventually topple and have to | | | | feel your feet connect with the ground. Keep your legs |
| start again. | | | | straight, feet facing forward, toes turned in slightly to |
| The following two standing yoga poses are basic | | | | centre. Turn your right foot directly out to the side. |
| poses that you can safely practice at home. When | | | | Keep your spine straight. Straighten your arms out |
| you practice remember to take your time to come into | | | | shoulder height across from your shoulders. Exhale |
| the pose, to focus on your breath and try, if possible, | | | | and reach down to rest your right leg or foot with your |
| to stay steady in the pose for at least 3 - 5 rounds of | | | | right hand. Keep your chest open as you breathe |
| deep yogic breathing. At the end of these two yoga | | | | slowly and deeply. Breathe in and straighten your left |
| poses, take a few moments to be still, to breathe and | | | | arm straight up in the air. Turn your head and look up |
| be aware of the quality of your thoughts and | | | | at your left hand. Breathe slowly and deeply for 3 - 5 |
| emotions. I am sure you will feel clearer, calmer and | | | | rounds. Feel your breath flow from your hand to your |
| more confident. | | | | feet. Relax and slowly lower your left arm. Return to |
| Two Basic Yoga Standing Positions to Improve | | | | mountain pose, tune in and repeat on the other side. |
| Confidence and Inner Strength | | | | Regular practice of the Tree and Triangle Pose offers |
| The Tree Pose | | | | you the chance to open and ease your body back into |
| Stand tall and straight in the Mountain Pose with your | | | | shape whilst calming your mind and giving your spirit |
| feet hip distant apart. Take a long steady breath in and | | | | space to heal and grieve. |