Indian squat

[Guest guest]

The classic "yoga squat" is utkatasana, which is

performed in the sequence of sun salutations or by

itself. The feet are either shoulder width apart or

next to one another, firmly and evenly grounded

through the roots of the toes. The deep groin fold

brings the floor of the pelvis far down and behind so

that the tops of the legs are flat. The arms are

extended overhead as in the first position of the sun

salutation, pinkies curling toward the heart, thumbs

reaching for the sky. The gaze is cast on the thumbs.

It is very important not to try to sink too low at

first; you will damage, tense, or ignore the important

ligaments and small muscles around the joints of your

knees and hips. Ujjayi breathing (with the throat and

bandhas slightly tensed) and a gentle attitude bring

the pose along slowly.

 

The "yoga push-up" is chaturanga dandasana, and is

also performed in the sequence of a sun salutation.

The feet are shoulder width apart, behind you, and

balanced on the toes. Make sure your weight is even

between your two feet. The tip of the coccyx is

forward and up, the bandhas of the stomach and throat

are held up, and the breath is ujjayi slowly through

the nose. The elbows are tucked in to the sides; the

hands are planted firmly under the shoulders, driving

the body away from the ground through the roots of the

fingers. As you sink low, you dive forward, rather

like a plane landing, rather than coming straight

down. Your gaze is cast up at the third eye; the nose

is toward the ceiling. Again, do not try to go too

fast or deep. Spend a minute or so in one chaturanga

and see how your body feels. Normal push-ups rely on

momentum and don't require nearly the focus as does

chaturanga.

 

I must implore you - yoga has very little to do with

toning and sculpting your body. Those things come

along naturally as part of an overall yogic lifestyle,

as does a deep-seated detachment from ego and

narcissism. Rather than doing a few poses to make

your body this or that, go to a class or get a video

that teaches real hatha yoga sequences that will begin

to awaken your chakras, kundalini, and awareness.

This is the real purpose of yoga practice.

 

Time for sun salutations! I hope this helps

Namaste, sat nam, love and light!

 

Be joy-full today!

Peat Burkindine

repeat2341

Please visit http://whyvegan.com

 

"Why be unhappy about something if it can be remedied? And what is the use of

being unhappy about something if it cannot be remedied?" - Shantideva, Guide to

the Bodhisattva's Way of Life