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30 DYC Day 15 Standing Balance
Eagle Pose Garudasana
The physical benefits of a standing balance are strength, stability, coordination and improved posture. Off the mat, balance asanas help in relieving stress and reducing inner tension. Also, they improve focus, concentration and memory.Building strength, coordination and knowing how to activate and isolate specific muscles, in a balancing pose deepens your practice. With time and dedication your balance, body and mind become sharper. This is when you realize that the mind and body are connected.The asana combined with pranayam helps you stay present and makes the practice more beneficial.
Eagle Pose Garudasana is a standing balance pose that requires and develops focus, strength, and serenity. Using your breath and your gaze in this posture will help calm your mind and release distractions, allowing for quiet poise and stability in the pose.It’s named after the mythological Hindu “king of the birds,” known as “Garuda.” Garuda was also the vehicle for the Hindu god Vishnu, who would ride on his back. The word “garuda” means “eagle” in Sanskrit, but it can also be translated as “devourer.” Garuda was believed to help humans fight against demons (and win).
Eagle Pose stretches the shoulders and upper back while strengthening the thighs, hips, ankles, and calves. It builds balance, calm focus, and concentration. This pose is therapeutic for those with lower back pain and sciatica. Because it opens the back lungs, it also increases breathing capacity and is invigorating for those with asthma. The dynamic balancing aspect of the pose helps to protect your knees against future injury, as well.- Begin standing in Mountain Pose (Tadasana), with your arms at your sides.
- Bend your knees. Balance on your right foot and cross your left thigh over your right. Fix your gaze at a point in front of you. Hook the top of your left foot behind your right calf. Balance for one breath.
- Beginners can omit the foot hook and cross the leg over the top of the standing leg, instead, resting the toes gently on the floor.
- Extend your arms straight in front of your body. Drop your left arm under your right.
- Bend your elbows, and then raise your forearms perpendicular to the floor. Wrap your arms and hands, and press your palms together (or as close as you can get them). Lift your elbows and reach your fingertips toward the ceiling. Keep your shoulder blades pressing down your back, toward your waist.
- If your palms don’t touch yet, press the backs of your hands together, instead, or hold onto a strap.
- Square your hips and chest to the front wall. Draw your belly in and up.
- Gaze at the tips of your thumbs. Breathe smoothly and evenly.
- Hold for up to one minute, focusing on your breath and keeping your gaze fixed and soft. Gently unwind your arms and legs and return to Tadasana. Repeat on the opposite side.
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1 Reply
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So great! I always feel like I learn from your posts. I didn’t know that about Garuda 🙂
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