Ardha chandrasana From triangle pose, bend right knee and take a small step with left foot. Balance on right foot, extend left leg out. Right hand is on the floor, left hand extends upward. Try looking at fingertips. Half–Moon Pose Benefits Good for legs and lower spine. Strengthens core. Develops balance. Opens pelvis. What it looks like A moon, a wheel, a merry go round, scissors.
Natarajasana Begin standing on one leg and bring knee to hands. Bring right hand to hold right big toe. Then arch back and tuck tailbone. Press foot into hand. Extend left hand out and bow forward, balance. Reverse sides. Extended Legs Pose Windmill Feather Dancer Pose Benefits Strengthens leg muscles. Develops poise. Stretches the shoulders and expands the chest. Benefits the spine. What it looks like A dancer, a tea pot, a lightening bolt, a hunter, a gazelle.
DEMON POSE Bhujapidasana Come into a squat and place the hands on top of the feet. For variation, place hands on floor, shrug the shoulders and melt the heart. Keep the arms and hands strong as you squeeze with the inner thighs and lift off, balancing on the hands. Benefits Strengthens hands and wrists. Creates strong abdominals. Develops the leg and arm muscles. What it looks like Good for antagonist characters, demons, dragons, silly or scary creatures, tricksters.
COBRA POSE Bhujangasana Begin lying flat on stomach, hands back by the base of the breastbone. Uncurl toes and press into floor. Bring energy to the legs. Inhale up, shoulders on the back. Hiss like a snake. Benefits Cobra Pose Good for strengthening the back and spine. Expands the chest. What it looks like A snake, a piece of rope, a walrus.
Tadasana Stand with feet fist–width apart. Weight evenly distributed through all four corners of the feet. Muscles of the ankles, calves, knees and thighs engaged and hugging the bones. Inner thighs are back, tailbone tucked. Shoulders are on the back, hands pointed down. Feel the energy from the earth and feet drawing up into the core and extending out through the hands and head and feet. Benefits Naturally aligns the entire body. Spinal alignment. Teaches proper standing. Develops concentration. Makes back strong. Relaxing. Lotus Pose Mountain Pose What it looks … Continue reading
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.
Paschimotanasana Sit on floor with legs extended. Activate legs and inner thighs. Bow forward and touch toes. Seated Forward Bend Seated Twist Benefits Tones the abdominal organs, kidneys and is good for the spine. Lengthens hamstrings. What it looks like A flower getting ready to bloom, a shy animal.
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.
Uttanasana Feet fist–width apart, bending over at the hips and hands touching the floor. Make feet, ankles, knees and legs strong. Benefits Forward Bend Good for concentration, removing fatigue. Good for stomach, liver, kidneys and heart. Stretches the hamstrings. What it looks like A folding chair, a sleeping praying mantis.
