Learning yoga for balance

Yoga for Balance

When you are balanced you can feel it. For a balanced person life is like a challenge that one can take in their stride, remaining happy, healthy and vibrant yet completely relaxed. This is to be understood well — it is not that a balanced person has no negative feelings or situations, it only means that in finding balance we learn to respond and not react to situations.

In yoga when we refer to balance, we are talking about internal balance and strength. Usually we rely on things and people around us to help us find a balance but with the practice of yoga over a period of time we can improve our intuition which gives us internal balance and stability. This is a very subtle gift that is better understood by practice rather than by reading about it.

Continuing our series, let us learn a variation in santolanasana

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.

Santolanasana(variation)

Procedure:

1. Begin with balancing your body on your hands and legs as shown in the plank pose.

2. Slowly raise your right leg and distribute your body weight with the hands and leg.

3. As you exhale raise your left hand and balance your body.

4. Hold the posture for 10-30 seconds and repeat the same on the other side.

Benefits:

1. Improves your sense of balance and coordination, bringing stability to the mind and body.

2. Builds the core strength of the body, especially the upper body.

3. Balances the right and left side of the brain.

4. Improves focus and concentration.

Caution:

Persons suffering from spondylitis should take care while doing this posture.