In our fast-paced lives, finding moments of stillness and peace is essential. With its harmonious blend of movement, breath, and mindfulness, yoga offers a pathway to serenity. In this blog post, we'll explore six yoga poses that can help you unwind and find your inner calm. These poses are accessible for practitioners of all levels and are perfect for creating a tranquil space within yourself. Let's dive in!
Easy Seat (Sukhasana): Begin by sitting on the mat with your legs crossed, allowing your knees to fall comfortably toward the ground. Place your hands on your knees, palms facing down or up, whichever feels more natural. Lengthen your spine, relax your shoulders, and gently close your eyes. Take deep breaths, focusing on the sensation of the breath entering and leaving your body. This pose helps to calm the mind, promote grounding, and enhance overall well-being.
Kneeling Pose (Balasana): Start by kneeling on your mat, with your big toes touching and knees spread apart. Lower your hips towards your heels as you fold your torso forward, resting your forehead on the mat. Extend your arms alongside your body or reach them forward, resting your hands on the mat. Allow your breath to flow deeply, surrendering any tension in your body. Balasana releases tension in the back, shoulders, and hips, while promoting a sense of surrender and relaxation. Option to lower your forehead to the ground.
Belly Down Half Frog (Ardha Bhekasana): Lie on your belly and prop yourself up onto your forearms. Bend your right knee and bring it out to the side, aiming to align it with your hip. Gently slide your right foot towards your right glute, as if you were trying to touch it. Breathe deeply, feeling the stretch in your right quadriceps and hip flexors. Repeat on the other side. This pose helps release tension in the hips, thighs, and lower back, promoting a sense of ease and openness.
Broken Bridge (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana): Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the mat, hip-width apart. Place your hands alongside your body, palms facing down. Inhale, press your feet into the mat, and lift your hips off the ground, coming into a bridge position. If comfortable, clasp your hands underneath your body and roll your shoulders closer together. Take slow, deep breaths, allowing your body to release any stored tension. Broken Bridge pose rejuvenates the spine, relieves fatigue, and encourages relaxation.
Reclined Bound Angle (Supta Baddha Konasana): Lie on your back and bend your knees, bringing the soles of your feet together. Allow your knees to gently fall out to the sides, creating a diamond shape with your legs. Place your arms alongside your body, palms facing up. Close your eyes, relax your muscles, and focus on your breath. Reclined Bound Angle pose gently stretches the inner thighs and groins, calms the mind, and promotes a sense of surrender.
Savasana (Corpse Pose): Lie on your back with your legs extended and arms relaxed alongside your body, palms facing up. Allow your body to rest fully on the mat, releasing any tension. Close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths, surrendering to the present moment. Let go of thoughts, worries, and expectations, and simply be. Savasana rejuvenates the body, reduces stress, and enhances overall relaxation.
By incorporating these six soothing yoga poses into your practice, you can create a space of tranquility and inner calm. For more help with these foundational poses, join our weekly community class, every Sunday at 6pm at the Westside Park in metro Atlanta.