![]() ![]() When you feel your mind settle within the relaxed steadiness of Tadasana, then prepare to begin Virabhadrasana II. The training of a spiritual warrior begins here as you let go of any external distractions and bring your awareness to your core. To find your center in Virabhadrasana II-the place where your energy is distributed evenly, without bias-start by grounding yourself within Tadasana (Mountain Pose). It is the clear space of awareness from which the wise action within any moment can be found. Finding CenterĪs we go about our daily lives, we often speak of feeling “off-centered” or of needing to “get centered.” Being “centered” is a feeling of being balanced and at ease on all levels-physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. It is a powerful pose, no doubt, but as you explore the pose’s alignment and inner attitude, the heart of the peaceful warrior begins to reveal itself. You may ask, “Why is there a Warrior Pose, when yoga is a practice of nonviolence?”Īs a strong pose, Virabhadrasana II can teach modern yogis a lot about the dynamics of bringing wisdom into the actions of our everyday lives. In the deep lunge and open arms of this Warrior Pose variation, there is a challenging intensity-a marked contrast to the images of yoga as a passive practice intended for relaxation. Perhaps as a beginning yoga student, you have already encountered a glimpse of this warrior spirit in the standing pose Virabhadrasana II (or Vira II for short). ![]() ![]() Gandhi saw the battlefield as a metaphor for our internal conflicts and Arjuna as the archetypal warrior within-one who sees through illusions to the truth and is able to act with courage and unwavering focus. Many centuries later Mahatma Gandhi would take these teachings of the Gita as guiding principles for his life. He guides Arjuna to reflect upon the source of his actions and find his internal center, where he is free from the fluctuations of the mind. In my favorite translation of the Gita, by the late scholar/teacher Eknath Easwaran, Krishna defines yoga as “wisdom in action”- yogah karmasu kausalam (II.50). Luckily for him, his chariot driver happens to be none other than the god Krishna, who proceeds to reveal to Arjuna the teachings of yoga to liberate him from his confusion. As recounted in the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna, the consummate warrior, becomes paralyzed with doubt and fear just as he is about to be called to action. Over two millennia ago, one of the most essential teachings of yoga was given on a battlefield, of all places. Take your time to gather and practice the skills and knowledge necessary to take a back-bending journey to ensure that you come in and out of the posture with ease and poise.For exclusive access to all our stories, including sequences, teacher tips, video classes, and more, This type of physical preparation, a part of the camel’s natural adaptation for survival, is essential for this pose as well. Camels use their humps as food reserves, like well-packed bags ready to be used when needed. Rather than trying to race into the posture, moving slowly and methodically will help you find its benefits safely. Camels are known for their slow, steady, almost methodical way of moving. Philosophy + OriginĬamel pose is named because the shape resembles the hump on a camel’s back, however there are other ways to consider the name when approaching the posture. Thanks to its many different variations and modifications, there are plenty of ways for individuals of all levels to appreciate the chest-opening and chakra-opening effects of camel pose. Ustrasana (oosh-TRAHS-anna), offers a long list of benefits for both the physical and subtle bodies. There are two sides to each coin, and the better you know both sides, the better prepared you will be to live your life with steadiness, grace, and ease.ĪDJUSTMENTS | BENEFITS | MANTRA | MUDRA | PREP POSES | SANSKRIT | STEPS When practicing reverse warrior, ask yourself to consider definitions or beliefs in your life from another perspective. The idea of a peaceful warrior, or even a light warrior, is used in yoga to remind students that showing up with love and intention in day-to-day life is just as important, if not more so. The power of reverse warrior is to “turn around” this imagery to think about warriorship in different contexts. The general definition of a warrior is someone who “engages in warfare,” which conjures up images of battlefields, weapons, and violence. By giving the side of your heart an opportunity to shine (as a side bend rather than a back bend), this posture offers all sorts of positive vibes, including a boost of self-esteem and perseverance. In viparita virabhadrasana (VIP-uh-REE-tuh veer-uh-buh-DRAHS-uh-nuh), experience a member of the “warrior” family with an incredible opening in the side of the torso as well as the stretching the legs. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |