With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we are reminded
to reflect on what we are grateful for. Even
when world events are so horrific and frightening, we can choose to focus on
the beautiful things in life to help generate more love on the planet. From family and friends, to health and modern
comforts, to the air we breathe and the wonders of nature – there is so much for
which we can be grateful. What are you
thankful for? Here are 4 thankful poses
from Yoga Teddy Bear to help generate love, humility and gratitude.
1. Standing Star Pose
(Utthita Tadasana)
In Sanskrit, this pose translates
as “Extended Mountain Pose.” Standing Star both grounds you in the earth like a powerful mountain
while it opens up the whole front side of your body. It allows you to open up your heart to create
space for forgiveness and healing. Stand
with your legs wide apart and your feet firmly planted. Stretch your arms wide to the sides or up
toward the sky. Make yourself look like
a big letter “X”. Breathe slowly and
contemplate that you are a shining star, and that you are actually made of
stardust. Tilt your head back gently to
look at the sky. Inhale deeply and reach
your arms as wide as you can, then exhale completely and let your shoulders
relax.
2. Humble Warrior. (Baddha Virabhadrasana)
Humility is a trait even the most advanced warrior must
master. In the face of the enormity of
the Universe, we are smaller than a grain of sand in the vast ocean. To do this asana, take a big step forward.
Bend your front knee so you can see your toes. Turn your back heel down while keeping your
hips facing forward. This is the Warrior
Pose stance. Next reach behind your back
and grab opposite elbows or clasp your hands together. Breathe in and lift your hands or elbows
toward the sky. Breathe out and humbly
fold forward as if you are bowing toward the earth. Breathe deeply as you contemplate eternity,
letting it bring clarity and put day-to-day problems into perspective.
3. Sandwich Pose. (Paschimottanasana)
Food is something we frequently take for
granted. How often do you eat while
driving, or gulp down a quick snack while rushing to the next appointment? Food and water sustain us and give our body
energy. The Earth is unbelievably abundant and fundamentally worthy of our
gratitude. To practice this seated
forward fold, sit on the floor with your legs stretched out in front of
you. Bend your knees until you can grab
your feet and see if you can rest your body on your legs. Wiggle your tail back
until your legs get as straight as they will go. Your body is folded in half like a big
sandwich. Let your head hang gently and
breathe deeply.
4. Child’s Pose.
(Balasana)
Child’s Pose is a safe and comfortable place for
contemplation and relaxation. Sit on your heels. Fold your body forward and
rest your belly on your legs. Your knees
can be together or apart. Turn your head
to one side or press your forehead to the floor. Relax your arms by your side or stretch them
out in front of you. Breathe deeply and connect
with the kid inside you. Consider three
things for which you are grateful.
I am grateful for my teachers, for yoga and for all the
benefits it brings. Yoga has made me
more flexible in my life, not just in my body.
It has taught me to slow down and breathe. It has helped me cope with stress. Finally, I am thankful to be able to share
yoga with the world through teaching and through my character, Yoga Teddy Bear. Thank you for being a part of the Yoga Teddy
Bear family!
