online yoga teacher trainingBy Sangeetha Saran

The natural world around us is comprised of four main elements: fire, water, earth and air. Different Yoga asanas or poses will nurture these different elemental aspects within us. Depending on our particular constitutions, we all have varying degrees of these elements within our own beings. The degree and proportion of these elemental forces will also fluctuate depending on the time of day and our age. Yoga poses that nurture the earth element will help us to relax, settle and feel more grounded. This is particularly important if we find that we are feeling anxious, unsupported or scattered. Supported Upavistha Konasana or Supported Seated Wide Legged Straddle Pose is a wonderfully grounding and restorative Yoga pose that will connect you deeply to the earth element.

* Supported Upavistha Konasana or Supported Wide Legged Straddle Pose

Generally speaking, seated Yoga asanas are practiced towards the end of Yoga practice after Sun Salutations, standing and backbending postures. If you are short on time, you may also practice Supported Upavistha Konasana as a “stand alone” asana. To practice this posture in a supported fashion, you will need a Yoga bolster or a thick blanket that you can roll up to approximate the same size and shape as a bolster. If your hips are tight, you may also wish to place a folded blanket underneath you for added support. To practice Supported Upavistha Konasana, sit on your Yoga mat in a straddle position. Place a bolster or rolled up blanket in between your legs length-wise on your mat. Keep your feet flexed towards the sky.

Take a few deep breaths and with your next exhale, gently bend forward and rest your forehead directly on the bolster. If your level of flexibility does not permit you to fully rest your forehead on the bolster, place another folded blanket or cushion on top of the bolster so you can fully melt into the supportive props. This is one of the key aspects of practicing Wide Legged Straddle Pose in a restful, supportive fashion. Feel the weight of your body sink into the earth. Breath deeply and remember to exhale fully. Stay in this pose for several minutes. When you are ready, sit upright, move the bolster to the side and sit in Easy Seat. Feel the support of the ground beneath you as you rest in stillness.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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