Tadasana "Mountain Pose" - Can you be Still and Present? Try this 5-minute MINDFULNESS EXERCISE
Tadasana is the most basic standing pose and the foundation of all other yoga poses. It sounds super easy... I mean, its just standing up! But it is actually really hard… physically and especially mentally. If you do it correctly, it can have benefits such as:
Reveal postural imbalances/ improve posture
Teach you basic alignment to do more "advanced" yoga poses safely
Strengthen ankles, thighs, and core
Help create space in the body allowing the organs to work more efficiently
Improve focus, concentration and awareness. Teach you how to be more present both in the yoga mat and in life
Can you be 100% present, here and now—in a state of active relaxation in Tadasana? Try a 5-minute MINDFULNESS EXERCISE:
Close your eyes and bring your weight forward, towards your toes. This is your future. Here lie your endless to do lists and all your excitement and anxiety about what is to come
Now shift your weight all the way back towards your heels. This is your past. Here you relieve happy and sad memories and ponder upon alternative paths you cannot take anymore
Go back and forth a few times shifting your weight from your heels to your toes. Slowly make the shifts smaller until you find your center. Distribute your weight evenly through your feet. Feel a line of energy rising from the base of your feet to the crown of your head and beyond. Let your thoughts soften. Bring your attention to your breath. Take a deep inhale and exhale through your nose. One more time…. This is your present.
Open your eyes but keep your gaze steady and focused inward. Can you stay still and present? On an inhale, raise your arms towards the sky and as you exhale bring your palms together towards your heart center. Bow gently and create an intention to bring some of this mindfulness to your day to day life. Namaste.
Illustrations by: Patty Strulovic