Today’s Twist: Pose Dedicated to the Sage Bharadvaja (Bharadvajasana)

Today’s pose begins with a story. The Sage Bharadvaja was devoted to the study of the ancient spiritual texts called the Vedas. He spent three reclusive lifetimes studying. After the third round, the Lord admonished him saying that even though he knows more than anyone else, he has accomplished no more than three piles of dirt because he never shared his knowledge with others. Luckily the Lord gives Bharadvaja another chance, and this time the great Sage shares his wisdom and compassion with others. This gives him so much joy that when the Lord invites him to Heaven, Bharadvaja declines, saying “Living this great wisdom is more of a heaven than I could ever ask for.”

The Pose Dedicated to the Sage Bharadvaja is a fairly challenging posture that is particularly helpful for people with arthritis in their lower back and hips. This is meaningful because the back represents support and the hips are where we hold our fear. Because this pose is a twist, it also is naturally detoxifying and can help blood and energy flow more freely through the body.

To practice Bharadvajasana, begin in in a seated position. Bring both feet back by one hip with your knees bent and on the ground. Keep your tail connected to the earth on both sides as you turn your body toward your feet to look behind you.  Reach your front arm across your body to the outside of your knee, and reach your back arm behind you to grab your front arm above the elbow. Lean back a little and twist as you breathe deeply. Remain here for ten long breaths, then unwind and switch sides.

As you practice today, reflect upon the gifts you have to offer the world. Do you keep them to yourself or do you share them with others? Remember, gifts don’t have to be special talents or knowledge, they can be qualities such as loving kindness, patience, compassion or the ability to listen. Let your light shine! You’ll surely find your piece of heaven there.

Images: Coloring page by Michele Palumbo, Bay Shore, NY with Yoga Teddy Bear colored by Alyssa Copham, Brainerd MN. Photos of Yoga Teddy Bear creators K. Mae Copham practicing Bharadvajasana, New Paltz, NY by Robert Oakley.