Supta Virasana: Reclining Hero's Pose

I have always loved this pose, I learned to do it in a very supportive way, as getting all the way to the floor can be very challenging for most of us! So many things need to be open for that to come. As always what is Yoga all about? Letting go and opening up to life and what the universe holds for us so we must experience this in our poses as well. So this pose, benefits me the most by opening the front hips, thighs, heart(chest), shoulders and it is restful once you prop accordingly!

If you have never done with pose before or sat in Hero's pose before, grab a block, if that is not comfortable for your knees, add a block, blankets etc, until you find a comfortable spot. (IF you need a very high prop, grab a chair that is supported against a wall in place of using a bolster) Otherwise, if the block is comfortable, with a bolster and several folded blankets next to you, begin by using your hands and slowly begin walking your spine to the bolster, be in constant connection to your to your body as you go down, if it is not comfortable come up add blankets, until the opening on the front of the hips, feels good, stretchy and your low back is comfortable. Add a blanket under your head. Stay for 3 - 5 minutes. Note: Keep in mind some poses may not be for everyone, if this is not comfortable let go of any judgement,and let your body be where it is. :) Namaste'

Cool the Heat! Pose 1 for Menopause

Greetings Everyone! As promised, a pose to help you move through peri menopause and menopause. We are now at mid august and as always the summer heat is strong, but for those of you going through this stage of life, it may not be so welcome especially if you are experiencing hot flashes. Hot flashes are caused by an imbalance in the endocrine system of the body (our hormonal system) and are a heat sensation that moves through the body like a wave or just a growing sensation of heat through the skin. Yoga is extremely helpful to guide you and assist you in this life process. A pose, that I found most favorable, was Parsvottanasana, or sometimes called, Pyramid Pose. This is a standing forward fold, great for the legs, hips, and cooling to the body. Begin, by standing in Mountain Pose, step your right foot back, 2.5 to 3 feet, keeping your toes facing forward, in order to keep you hips square(pelvis level). Your hands you may keep at your hips, or clasp your elbows behind your back, then taking a deep inhale, on your exhale fold forward from your hips hinge keeping a long spine. Hold and breath deeply in and out through your nose for 1 minute if possible. Change sides. For a picture and more explaination, please go to http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/1675 Enjoy the pose! Stay tuned: Next ShoulderStand variation Shanti, Denise