The first posture in yoga asana appears to look very simple, just standing on two feet.
So it can make us rush though the pose without feeling we need to know any more about it.
Let's get to know more about this pose called Tadasana.
Tadasana comes from Sanskrit meaning Mountain Pose
Tada means mountain and Asana means posture
In Tadasana we keep the body active and aligned. (note that everyone has a different alignment ).
So Tadasana is more than just standing there. It requires that you be aware of every part of your body and how each part feels when aligned.
Lets try and see how being in Tadasana feels :
You should be standing on a level surface
Your feet should be a hip's width apart or alternatively big toes touching and heels slightly apart
Once you have made your choice of feet position ask these questions.
Do I have my weight equally balanced on each foot on the floor ?
Am I standing with my weight evenly balanced between the heels and balls of my feet ?
Do the arches of my feet feel active ( try this by lifting your toes up ) ?
Does it feel right and comfortable?
Let's move up to your legs
Keep both legs active
Feel like you are lifting your kneecaps
Engage your quadricep muscles
Engage your inner thighs ( feel like you are pressing a block between them )
Now see how your feet and legs feel together. Do they feel aligned?
Now your hip area
Do you feel your hips are pushing forward?
Do you feel your hips are too far back?
Try to find a neutral position for your hips between those two positions
Firm your muscles in the abdominal area by slightly drawing your navel in.
Keep the natural curve at your lower back
Roll your shoulders back and down and now feel your chest is more open
Your arms should be hanging naturally by your sides
Your chin should be in a neutral position, not sticking out or drawn back.
Keep your neck long
Raise the crown of your head towards the ceiling
Soften your face muscles and relax your jaw.
Now check from feet to head
Do you feel your legs are strongly supporting your body
If you all feel alright, now lets add the breathing while you hold the posture.
For each cycle of breathing
Inhale through your nostrils for 4 counts of breath
Exhale through your nostrils for 4 counts of breath
Now lets stay in the Tadasana pose for 10 breath cycles
Maybe we will learn from Tadasana how to stand strongly in our daily life activities.
See you soon for the next asana ( yoga posture )
Namaste & Salam
Ria