Did you know that Sunday was a full moon? I didn't. Did you know that there is such thing as moon salutations? I sure didn't. It took over 15 years of yoga practice to find out that there is a complement to the sun salutation (Surya Namaskar) sequence that is, oh so common. It's the moon salutation (Chandar Namaskar). I was introduced to it during my last class with Judy and was quite refreshed with the sequence. With my little research on-line, I realized, as with every pose or sequence, there are variations. We participated in the Hatha variation during that class and since then, I've attended other classes which focused more on the Ashtanga variation of the moon sequence (Chandra Krama). Let's explore each briefly. According to Yoga Journal, the moon salutation is considered to be yin in nature which is in opposition to the yang poses of sun salutation. Moon salutations are meant to be soothing and quieting (feminine) rather than fiery and powerful as the sun salutations (masculine). The more recent practice of the Ashtanga yoga variation is a lengthy sequence developed by Matthew Sweeney and can be seen below in the schematic. Wow! I've been only doing the first sequence! There is more to the moon salutation and sequence than I ever thought possible! It starts from a kneeling position with the heels on the buttocks and torso tall. Arms reach up above the head and bow forward into an extended child's pose. From the child's pose, you move into a table top position (on hands and knees) and then press your hands and feet into the floor and rise up into downward facing dog. The sequence then follows the reverse order to end back in the kneeling positions where hands are placed in the small of the back for a slight back bend or extension. Here it is in video form: So, quite frankly, this little discovery of both moon salutations and moon sequence has made me once again realize I have SO much to learn about yoga, in general, AND how it impacts my practice.
Soaking up the glow of the moon, LW
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I'm a Leo. Born in August of 1980. Do I ever roar like a lion? I think my husband would say "yes" particularly when it comes to things I'm passionate about but on the general day I don't think I have too much bark. Well, in my practice this week, I roared...or at least tried to. Lion pose (Simhasana) is a unique pose that also includes both sound effects and scary facial expressions. You'll know it if you've done it before because it is one you won't forget. Initially scrunching your face (eyes, nose, mouth, forehead creases) and then releasing the tension with wide eyes and wide open mouth - tongue sticking out! - the roar is let loose. What's with this, in my opinion, obscure pose? It's kinda bold and loud but there must be some benefit to this pose. I remember back in my university level yoga class (yes - I have it on my transcripts!) and all of the students (including me) were too shy to make much noise when we were directed to perform it. Now with an infant I make noises day in and day out so there was no problem with me trying out this pose fully! Hear me roar! So my task this week was that I just had to look into the details of this pose more closely. Here's what I found: Lion pose is classified as a basic kneeling jaw stretch. Well, of course it's a jaw stretch. Sometimes I forget all the muscles the body actually has since I tend to focus on larger muscle groups both in my workouts personally and with clients. Funny I should say that as in the book Yoga Anatomy it states "[lion pose] stimulates and releases a host of often overlooked muscles". Just what I was saying! The strong lion roar activates the "three diaphragms" - thoracic, vocal, and pelvic - with particular focus on the platysma muscle that fans the front of the neck. This pose keeps the skin on the front of the neck firm as we age (non-surgical facelift option!) The Yoga Journal website states that traditional texts indicate that lion pose "destroys disease and facilitates the three major bandhas (Mula, Jalandhara, Uddiyana)." Bandhas? Not sure what they are but more to explore for another day! Overall, after further investigation, there is more to lion pose than what meets the eye. Keeping ones face and neck limber and stretched can only be a positive thing especially in a world where we can carry much stress in those areas. Regardless, if you are a Leo or not, in the privacy of your own home or local yoga class, give this pose a try. For an extra kick, try it in front of a mirror! LW Photo credit: Medici Lions in Florence, Italy. I took this picture on my honeymoon in 2008. This statue is circa 1600.
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Aspiring Yoga TeacherI've practiced yoga since I was a pre-teen and have always found it to keep me centered. I will be a teacher one day and this is my journey to discover teaching and practice. Archives
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