CHILD’S POSE Balasana Chair Pose Have child spread knees and extend arms forward in front of them. Also may move arms to the sides. Benefits A good resting pose. Good for the lower back. What it looks like A ball, somebody praying, begging, sleeping.
Setu bandha sharvangasana Bridge Pose Begin lying on back. Bend knees and bring feet toward buttocks. Press hips up. Walk shoulder blades underneath and then clasp hands. Not all children will be able to clasp hands. Keep inner thighs moving toward each other and tuck the tailbone. Benefits Opens the chest and upper back. Develops the buttocks.
Simhasana Reclining Hero Pose Start in child’s pose, balasana, with arms and hands extended. Then press forward and let face go wild. Squish it up. Roar like a lion! Lion Pose Benefits Good for the speech and stammers. Releases tension in the face, jaw and body. Revives expression. What it looks like A lion, an alien, monsters, giant squids, dragons, witches.
Matsyasana Sit on hands, preferably palms facing down. Legs are extended. Drop elbows down to floor and arch back. Slide back enough so that head will touch the floor. Benefits Good for the abdominal organs. What it looks like A fish, a sleeping mermaid.
Ustrasana Kneeling with toes curved under or flat on the floor, place hands on hips. Extend and lift the spine as you arch the back. Drop the hands back onto the heels, press the hips forward, tuck tailbone. Benefits Develops hamstrings and inner thighs. Calms the mind and removes fatigue. Removes stiffness in neck and shoulders. What it looks like Camel Pose A tunnel, a mountain, going down a well to fetch water, any pose when a heart–opening realization occurs.
