Yoga is much more than the physical movement of our bodies on the yoga mats. Yoga also offers us insights into our motivations, our desires and the ways in which we think and feel about ourselves. We can broaden our experience of yoga by exploring yoga philosophy and mythology. This approach is called Jnana (NYAH-nah) Yoga. The Sanskrit word jnana means wisdom and jnana yoga means the yoga of wisdom. In our lives as yoga practitioners, we can cultivate an intelligence of both our bodies and our minds. Wisdom can be found in every corner, whether we are moving on our mats, practicing meditation on a cushion or reading ancient texts. Yoga is wisdom.
from…Yoga 365 – Daily Wisdom for Life on and off the Mat
Connect with cosmic energy with Lord of the Dance Pose. Lord of the Dance Pose or Dancer Pose is a standing, balancing, back-bending asana in modern yoga as exercise. It is derived from a pose in the classical Indian dance form Bharatnatyam, which is depicted in temple statues in the Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram.
The name comes from the Sanskrit words vṛkṣa (वृक्ष) meaning “tree”, and āsana (आसन) meaning “posture”.
History of Tree Pose
A 7th-century stone carving in Mahabalipuram appears to contain a figure standing on one leg, perhaps indicating that a pose similar to vrikshasana was in use at that time. It is said that sadhus disciplined themselves by choosing to meditate in the pose.
The pose is described in the 17th century Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā.
Description of Tree Pose
From Tadasana, weight is shifted to one leg, for example, starting with the left leg. The entire sole of the foot remains in contact with the floor. The right knee is bent and the right foot placed on the left inner thigh, or in half lotus position. In either foot placement, the hips should be open, with the bent knee pointing towards the side. With the toes of the right foot pointing directly down, the left foot, center of the pelvis, shoulders and head are all vertically aligned. Hands are typically held above the head either pointed directly upwards and unclasped, or clasped together in anjali mudra. The asana is typically held for 20 to 60 seconds, returning to tadasana while exhaling, then repeating standing on the opposite leg.
Benefits of Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)
Improves balance and stability in the legs.
Strengthens the ligaments and tendon of the feet.
Strengthens and tones the entire standing leg, up to the buttocks.
Assists the body in establishing pelvic stability.
Strengthen the bones of the hips and legs due to the weight-bearing nature of the pose.
You are posed for flight! The actions you take begin with the thoughts that you make. Using intention in your daily practice helps guide your projectory and helps you find your power and balance. It is an ongoing process that can begin on the mat and then taken into your day.
Ustrasana is a deep backward bend from a kneeling position. The completed pose has the hands on the heels. The backs of the feet may be flat on the floor, or the toes may be tucked under for a slightly less strong backbend.
Ustrasana works subtlyto improve conditions of the digestive, respiratory, endocrine, lymphatic, skeletal, and circulatory systems.
In addition to boosting energy, some of the many benefits include:
Relieving back pain
Helps with posture
May improve confidence
Can counteract slouching and kyphosis (abnormal curvature of the spine)
Stretches your abdomen, chest, shoulders, front of your hips (hip flexors), and front of your thighs (quadriceps)
Strengthens your back muscles and back of your thighs
Take some time each morning to ground yourself and reminds yourself of the direction in which you wish to go. I simple journal can be helpful. You can also use that same journal when you go to bed to reflect on the day.
Setu Bandha Sarvāṅgāsana (Sanskrit: सेतु बन्ध सर्वाङ्गासन), Shoulder supported bridge or simply Bridge, also called Setu Bandhāsana, is an inverted back-bending asana in hatha yoga and modern yoga as exercise
Etymology and origins
The pose is named from the Sanskrit words सेतु Setu, a bridge; बन्ध Bandha, caught; सर्वा Sarva, all; ङ्ग Anga, limb; and आसन Asana, seat or posture.
The pose appears as “Kāmapīṭhāsana” in the 19th century Sritattvanidhi (written before 1868).[
Description
The pose is entered from Sarvāṅgāsana (shoulderstand), the chest being held forwards by the hands and the feet lowered to the ground behind the back, the knees remaining bent; or more easily, by lifting the back from lying supine on the ground. The full pose has the knees bent and the ankles caught (Bandha) by the hands. The pose may be exited either by lying down or by jumping back up into shoulderstand.
Variant pose
A common form of the pose has the arms straight out along the ground towards the feet, the arms straight with the fingers interlocked. Some practitioners are able to straighten the legs in the pose.
(wiki)
Benefits of Bridge Pose (yes…there’s lots)
Stretches the chest, neck, spine and hips
Helps to calm the brain and helps alleviate stress and mild depression.
Stimulates abdominal organs, lungs, and thyroid.
Rejuvenates tired legs.
Improves digestion.
Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause.
Relieves menstrual discomfort when done supported.
Stretches the chest, neck, spine, and hips
Strengthens the back, buttocks, and hamstrings
Improves circulation of blood
Calms the brain and central nervous system
Stimulates the lungs, thyroid glands, and abdominal organs
Improves digestion
Helps relieve symptoms of menopause
Reduces backache and headache
Reduces fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia
Rejuvenates tired legs
Relieves symptoms of asthma and high blood pressure
Therapeutic for hypertension, osteoporosis, and sinusitis
You are posed for flight! The actions you take begin with the thoughts that you make. Using intention in your daily practice helps guide your projectory and helps you find your power and balance. It is an ongoing process that can begin on the mat and then taken into your day.
“With each inhale, our lungs fill and our rib cage expands gently outward and upward, similar to an umbrella stretching open. With each exhale, the umbrella in released, allowing us to relax. Because the breath literally expands our upper torso, it can create a feeling of expansiveness within us. This can make us feel more powerful, reminding us that we can always become more open and spacious in our lives simply by breathing. Several times throughout your day today, draw your attention to your breath, noticing whether the experience of your physical expansiveness invites you in to a more expansive sense of self.”
Inspired Life 