In Musasana, the pose for this month is Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I Pose). Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I Pose) is an intriguing pose for me because I have vacillated around it so often. I have loved it, disliked it, love it again. I was just reviewing my practice journal from 2005 and was amused to find the pose had made it to the very top of my "dislike" list. Back then I thought it had to do with my confusion around the action of the back leg. While that might have been the superficial reason, physical issues are never the the deeper reason for intense dislike. There is always an emotional, energetic, issue as well.
I also read in my journal that learning how to ground better was something I wanted to practice. In fact, grounding is something I have worked on for a few years (just ask my students!) and in learning how to ground, Virabhadrasana I became not only easier, it became enjoyable and downright exhilerating. The grounding did help with the back leg and the action of the back leg is now clarified for me, but it was grounding that was the deeper lesson. Always look for the deeper lesson in any of your challenges in your practice. It will always keep you inspired for your practice!
Here are some posts I have written about grounding and teaching grounding:
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