Yoga poses are meant to strengthen our physical bodies, focus our minds, and enlighten our spirits. There are many variations to basic yoga poses. Here we will learn how to do Warrior Pose with Eagle Arms variation.
Day 20 – Warrior Pose with Eagle Arms
by Brit Labonte, Alek Parksinson, and Christi Silbaugh
When we realize that everything is interconnected and that we are part of the larger scheme of life, we begin to live with gratitude, faith, and trust, rather than living a life filled with fear and anxiety. We are guided by a power that is within us, and yet beyond ourselves. We feel divinity from within and from without.
The challenge of the Crown Chakra is to liberate the spirit, open ourselves up to the divine, and at the same time stay firmly rooted deep in the ground.
Warrior pose or Garudasana is a grounding pose that balances our Crown Chakra and opens the hips, hamstrings and shoulders. It requires strength and stability in the legs and core. It reflects the strength and balance of the yin and yang sides of the body. Typically it is done with arms above the head fingers pointing to the sky, or arms front and back, parallel to the ground while gazing into the distance off the middle finger.
Today we are using Eagle Arms variation as it allows for the crossing over of the energy flow, and a deeper connection with ourselves and the divine. This brings balance to our Crown Chakra.
How to do Warrior Pose with Eagle Arms Variation
1) Stand in Tadasana. On an exhalation step your feet approximately 3.5 feet apart.
2) Raise your arms perpendicular to the floor and reach actively through the little finger sides of your hands toward the ceiling.
3) Turn your left foot in 45 degrees to the right and your right foot out 90 degrees to the right. Align the right heel with the left heel.
4) Exhale and rotate your torso to the right, squaring the front of your pelvis as much as possible with the front edge of your mat.
5) As the left hip points forward, press the head of the left femur back to ground the heel.
6) With your left heel firmly anchored to the floor, exhale and bend your right knee over the right ankle so your shin is perpendicular to the floor.
7) As you ground down through the back foot, feel a lift that runs up the back leg, across the belly and chest up into the arms.
8) Cross your arms in front of you with elbows bent and grab the back of the opposite shoulder with both hands. You can use your hands to pull your elbows past each other. Turn your arms one into the other and place your hands so that they are finger tips to palm. Reach with your finger tips toward the sky.
9) Come up on an inhalation. Press the back heel firmly into the floor and reach up through the arms straightening the right knee.
10) Turn the feet forward and release the arms with an exhalation. Take a few breaths then turn the feet to the left and repeat on the other side for the same length of time, switching the way the arms were previously crossed.
As with any exercise program you must know yourself and understand your own health before attempting.
Photo Credits in order:
Feature Image: Warrior Pose Eagle Arms in the Woods: Alek Parkinson @alekmp7
Warrior Pose by the Rose Bushes: Sandra Holt Holland @BeachyCowGirl
Warrior Pose with arms above: Kriya Yoga
Warrior Pose in the Backyard: Christi Silbaugh @momwhatsfordinner
Warrior Pose in the Grass: Tahnee Cattaneo @406fitspiration
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