Yoga: Balancing the mind and body

Balance gives us stability, fulfilment, peace, happiness and finally achievement. In this series we will be teaching you about balance and balancing postures and its effects and benefits in your day to day life.

Human beings love to live in extremes and swing like a pendulum between the extremes but can achieve stillness only in balance. The mind usually lives in the past or the future but balance helps the mind to live in the present.

Just as in life, in yoga we believe balance and stillness are the only states where your mind, body and breathing have to be in perfect unison and coordination with each other.

Note: Though these postures are easy to do and can be done by all at home, as with all exercise, it’s advisable to consult a doctor before starting them.

Padangushtangasana: (toe to hand pose)

Classically this posture can be done in many variations as it is literally what it means — raising the leg to the hand. In this case we are using it as a balancing posture.

Procedure:

1. Sit on your toes, raising your heels off the mat, transferring your body weight to the ankles.

2. Stretch your right leg out, placing your heel on the mat.

3. Now slowly hold your right toe with your right hand and raise it off the ground, taking support from your left hand.

4. Finally raise your left hand off the ground as well and balance your body as shown in the picture.

5. Remain here from 10-30 seconds and repeat the same with the other leg.

Benefits:

1. Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and anxiety, improving your sense of focus and balance.

2. This posture can be done before sitting for meditation as it improves the concentration of the mind.

3. Stretches thighs, hamstrings and calves

4. Helps relieve headache and insomnia

Caution:

Avoid this posture if you have severe lower back or ankle injuries.

For more information call 800-YOGA(9642) or visit www.artisticyoga.com