On the Run: fitness made simple

I used to think I was fairly good at yoga, until I started taking my gaze away from a point in front of me and towards the sky. Wow did that change things! All of a sudden Tree pose, Half Moon pose, even Warrior I increased in difficulty. Sometimes I get stuck on the mirror, focusing on my form and how I look overall. It’s also easier to look ahead of us while we’re balancing. However, try to look upwards for a greater challenge and stress relief. Try it for the following poses:

• Warrior I: Turn your gaze up as you drop your shoulders and bring your arms overhead close to your ears. 
• Tree pose: Start by facing forward with hands in prayer. Then, grow your arms out like branches as your gaze towards the sky. 
• Half Moon Pose: Try and release your reliance on the hand touching the ground for support. It’s really a balance pose developing strength in the standing leg and core. My summer instructor teaches us to only have our finger-tips grazing the ground. Also, keep your head in line with your spine and look upwards. 

It’s a humbling experience when you lose your balance in a beginning pose. I am now a very Humble Warrior (great asana btw.) Gosh, something as simple as a Reverse Dive up from a forward fold feels so empowering when you also look up towards the sky as you inhale. Try it next time you have a break!

Would you try gazing upwards in your next yoga session? Do you also find this more difficult than looking down or straight? Yes I know, those are silly stick figures and I ruined a pretty photo of a sunset in Death Valley. 

Namaste.

Geraldine