Celebrate July 4 with Number 4 Legs

In the United States of America July 4 is synonymous with Independence Day and the founding of our country in 1776. The number 4 is a solid number. It conjures the image of a square or a table, the corners of a room, the 4 directions or the 4 seasons. Many East Asians think the number 4 is unlucky because the word for four is the same word as death (shi). Other people think a 4-leaf clover is a sign of good luck. The Native American Pueblo of New Mexico consider the number 4 to be sacred.

In yoga, a visual way to teach standing Half Lotus pose (Ardha Padmasana) is to call it “Number 4 Legs,” because the practitioner’s legs look like the number 4. Ardha Padmasana is an excellent pose to improve balance and stretch your hips. It’s also the set up pose for the arm balances Dragonfly and Flying Pigeon.

To practice Number 4 Legs, begin standing in Mountain Pose. Shift your weight to one leg. Focus on a point in front of you (your “Drishti”) to help you balance. Lift your other leg, bend your knee and place your ankle anywhere above your standing knee and as close to your hip as it will reach. Use your hand on your bent knee to press your hips open a little more. Like magic, your legs make the shape of a number 4. Bring your hands together in front of you count 4 long, deep breaths. Switch sides for an equal amount of time.

Happy 4^th of July, America! Namaste.

Images: Coloring of “Number 4 Legs” by Harry Hayes, Age 10, Long Island, NY. Page from Yoga Teddy Bear’s Big Little Coloring Book of 108 Poses. Yoga Teddy Bear creator K. Mae Copham photo by Robert Oakley in Central Park, NYC, 2015.