Bekasana Begin in table position. Spread knees out toward edges of mat and bring heels together. Bow forward onto stomach and elbows. Press feet into each other and extend out through the knees. Variation: Lower legs are perpendicular to upper legs and feet out. Benefits Abdominal organs are toned. Stretches the hips and thighs. What it looks like A frog, a diamond, a minnow, a swimmer under the deep sea.
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.
Garudasana Begin standing in mountain pose, tadasana. Entwine left leg over the right leg. Extend left arm out, then cross right arm over it. Bend the elbows and entwine the two together and bring hands together. Release and fly out like an eagle. Reverse sides. Benefits Strengthens ankles. Stretches the shoulders. Removes cramps in calves. What it looks like A bird flying, twisted noodles.
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
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.
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.
