Sunday, January 14, 2018

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

MLK, MLK Day, Martin Luther King Jr., MLK Quote, Yoga, Yoga Teddy Bear, Yogateddybeartv, High Lunge, Alanasana, moving forward
 "If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward." -Martin Luther King

Dr. King’s quote referred to the equal rights movement, yet it’s also a helpful image to apply to each individual’s journey through life.  Not only do these words encourage us when we feel overwhelmed or unable to continue, they remind us that all we can ever do is whatever we are able to do in this moment. While it is admirable to set high expectations for yourself, it is even more valuable to know and respect your limits. 

Today’s pose, High Lunge (Alanasana), embodies the dynamic act of moving forward. To practice Alanasana, begin standing in Mountain Pose. Take a big step forward. Bend your front knee so you can see your toes. Stretch your back leg straight behind you on your tiptoes. Reach your hands high in the sky and focus on a point in front of you. Tilt your hip points forward a little. Breathe in and make yourself tall like the top of a mountain.

MLK, MLK Day, Martin Luther King Jr., MLK Quote, Yoga, Yoga Teddy Bear, Yogateddybeartv, High Lunge, Alanasana, moving forward
Like our movement through life, there is more than one way to execute High Lunge. You can step forward from Downward Dog, or step back from a forward fold. However you decide to move into and out of today’s pose, spend an equal amount of time on each side exploring your balance and your breath. Namaste!


Images: Practicing Alanasana at the Yoga Teddy Bear NYC 2015 Pop Up Shop. Photo by Ralph DeMatthews. Coloring page #76 from Yoga Teddy Bear’s Big Little Coloring Bookof 108 Yoga Poses colored by Miss Michele Palumbo, Bay Shore, NY. Enter ourcoloring contest to win prizes!

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