Benefit of Yoga … Standing Tall

 The very nature of yoga teaches the student how to hold and control one’s body in a healthy position. Through consistent practice, your posture will improve so that you look and feel more confident and healthy.

One posture we will discuss today is called Tadasana (mountain pose); Tadasana is the foundation of all standing poses.  According to Yoga Journal Magazine Tadasana

• Improves posture
• Strengthens thighs, knees, and ankles
• Firms abdomen and buttocks
• Relieves sciatica
• Reduces flat feet

When I teach Tadasana to my yoga students I incorporate a visualization exercise which focuses our attention inward on the breath.  Rooting the soles of the feet to the earth as you extend the crown of the head upward, creating space … imagine the possibilities.  You can begin your yoga practice right now where you are standing by practicing Tadasana; take a moment to stand tall and confident, allowing the shoulders to rest with the face forward. 

As I mentioned Tadasana is referred to as the Mountain pose, just  as the mountain expresses the strength of the earth perhaps its practice will help us to experience this strength inwardly and thus to feel one with self, earth, and universe … find your Tadasana.

If you would like to learn more about yoga, please feel free to join us Wednesdays at 5:45pm at Jacobs Well in Evergreen Park.  Starting Thursday, September 6th I will be offering a 9:30am class at Jacobs Well. 

Joan Zigulich is a Certified Hatha, Children and Family Yoga Instructor.  My mission is to introduce the wonderful benefits of yoga allowing the student to practice both on and off the mat. I teach classes at Jacobs Well in Evergreen Park. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss how to incorporate the practice of yoga into your life, yogapathway@yahoo.com   or "LIKE" Yoga Pathway on Facebook.