Yoga pose | Musasana | Studying one Yoga Pose Month

Yoga: Bringing the Arms Up and Overhead

We need to take the arms up and overhead in a variety of poses. This video discusses how to do it with out creating unnecessary tension in the upper back and neck area.

Deepening Your Pose: Vrksasana (Tree Pose)

Vrksasana (Tree Pose): A Fun Experiment

Here is a quick lesson I like to use when teaching Vrksasana (Tree Pose).  This exercise is for beginners, too!  Since this pose is relatively simplistic and doesn't have the dramatic physical effect that say Warrior II has, many people may not understand the benefits.  So, I have them do one side, then pause and see if they can feel the difference between then feet.  Most of my students can feel that the foot that was down is far more grounded.  They feel heavier on that side and can feel more of the soul of the foot.  I let them know that they are feeling their energy and the LOVE the idea!

Vrksasana (Tree Pose): How To

Vrksasana (Tree Pose): Study Points

          

Let's study Vrksasana (Tree Pose) this month! 

Here are some Study Points for you.  Feel free to add more ideas in the comments. 
You can also add your responses to these points:

1. Do you prefer to have your arms up or down?  Why?
2. Which foot do you start on?  What happens if you start on the other foot?
3. Pause between sides...what comes up for you?
4. Play with engaging the inner leg of the supporting leg.  If your foot is up on the thigh, press it firmly into the supporting leg and the leg into the foot.  (If your foot is placed below the knee, you can, and should, engage the inner leg, but do not press the foot into the leg because it can hurt the knee.)
5. Play with deepening the pose by gently pressing the groin of the up-leg forward (while engaging the inner leg of the supporting leg.)
6. Contemplate the effect of this pose.  It is so simple and deeply profound at the same time.  Doing only one side and then pausing before doing the other side will help you feel the the effects more deeply.