Any time something seems simple or easy - we cant help but think, ok whats the catch? At my dentist appt I got offered a free whitening kit - I'm still waiting for the bill. I asked the dentist 5 times whats the deal with this. Nothings free. Its bad, but the skepticism comes from a long time of experience.
What's too good to be true is...usually.
Thats just the way life is set up to run - if it was easy what would we learn. You only truly appreciate the good, if you experience the bad. Its like if you dont see sunshine a lot, when you do it transform you, and the whole city (believe me a sunny day in Seattle is like nothing else). Or when you work really hard, and actually get time off you fully appreciate every minute of a holiday. Vs being jobless (like I am now), time off get a bit like groundhogs day, not so cool.
You get what I mean.
In Yoga, as usually the same applies. Below is 2 examples of postures that look simple and easy - but there is so many things to think about, do and many benefits to be had.
Seated posture:
Vajrasana is an Indian translation for Thunderbolt pose (Lord Indra's weapon - rain and war god, most powerful. brings creation with rain). Vajrasana is an important meditation posture so as to give the body an upright and straight posture, so during meditation there is no extra effort needed.
Start by bending the left leg under the sit bone, with the top of the foot on the floor. Then right under. Sitting down, heels in a V and on side of hips, while the bum comes down between feet with soles resting on buttocks. Palms on each knee. Head, spine and neck in one line, dristi/gaze in straight in plane of height. Full weight on the spine, legs relaxed but the burden of the body is felt in the knees and ankles.Considerations:
Might feel tightness, numbness in ankle, stretch legs out, shake vigorously, then resume.
If have stiff joints, and movement limitations, knee issues to be careful.
Try a blanket under bum to make easier.
- Strengths spine
- Alters blood circulation the flow of blood and nervous impulses in the pelvic region and strengthens the pelvic muscles
- Increases the efficiency of the entire digestive system, stomach works viciously, relieving stomach ailments such as hyperacidity and peptic ulcer.
- Preventative for hernia
- Leg muscles and nerves improved, opening of knee joints any pain separate knees
- Best stretch for quadriceps muscle groups or thighs
- Very important meditation posture because the body becomes upright and straight with no effort (good suffering from sciatica and sacral infections).
A deeper pose is Supta Vajrasana - go slowly, pulls on knee joints, open knee is ok for beginner.
Savasana (corpse or mrtasana - death) posture:
A good way to transition to this posture, to get onto your back in a yogic smooth way: start by sitting on the floor with your knees bent, feet on the floor, and lean back onto your forearms. Lift your pelvis slightly off the floor and, with your hands, push the back of the pelvis toward the tailbone, then return the pelvis to the floor. Inhale and slowly extend the right leg, then the left, pushing through the heels. Relax. Soften the lower back but not flat.
Put your hands up perpendicular to floor, rock side to side, broaden back ribs and pull your shoulder blades away from the spine.
Arms (top hands on floor) and legs are spread at about 45 degrees, the eyes are closed and the breath deep.
Full body relaxed; all parts of the body are scanned for muscular tension of any kind, which is then consciously released. Pay special attention to your face - teeth, tongue, eyes, your shoulders and relax.
The hardest part - the most important part aside from body relaxation is keeping that mind still. Like a bucking bronco its ready to run and jump to the next thing - that to do list that will always be there waiting for you. Its like having a kit-kat bar, give your self this break, this stillness. Like I said above life is not easy, this moment can be.
Integration and Impact:
The stillness after the yoga practice, allows your muscle memory to really sink in.
Or more academically and on wiki:
An intelligent yoga practice will furnish the nervous system with a host of new neuromuscular information. Shavasana gives the nervous system a chance to integrate that in what can be thought of as a brief pause before it is forced once again to deal with all the usual stresses of daily life.
A good way to transition to this posture, to get onto your back in a yogic smooth way: start by sitting on the floor with your knees bent, feet on the floor, and lean back onto your forearms. Lift your pelvis slightly off the floor and, with your hands, push the back of the pelvis toward the tailbone, then return the pelvis to the floor. Inhale and slowly extend the right leg, then the left, pushing through the heels. Relax. Soften the lower back but not flat.
Put your hands up perpendicular to floor, rock side to side, broaden back ribs and pull your shoulder blades away from the spine.
Arms (top hands on floor) and legs are spread at about 45 degrees, the eyes are closed and the breath deep.
Full body relaxed; all parts of the body are scanned for muscular tension of any kind, which is then consciously released. Pay special attention to your face - teeth, tongue, eyes, your shoulders and relax.
The hardest part - the most important part aside from body relaxation is keeping that mind still. Like a bucking bronco its ready to run and jump to the next thing - that to do list that will always be there waiting for you. Its like having a kit-kat bar, give your self this break, this stillness. Like I said above life is not easy, this moment can be.
Integration and Impact:
The stillness after the yoga practice, allows your muscle memory to really sink in.
Or more academically and on wiki:
An intelligent yoga practice will furnish the nervous system with a host of new neuromuscular information. Shavasana gives the nervous system a chance to integrate that in what can be thought of as a brief pause before it is forced once again to deal with all the usual stresses of daily life.
Benefits: Relaxes the body
- Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression
- a decrease in heart rate and the rate of respiration.
- a decrease in blood pressure.
- a decrease in muscle tension.
- a decrease in metabolic rate and the consumption of oxygen.
- a reduction in general anxiety.
- a reduction in the number and frequency of panic attacks.
- an increase in energy levels and in general productivity.
- an improvement in concentration and in memory.
- an increase in focus.
- a decrease in fatigue, coupled with deeper and sounder sleep.
- improved self-confidence
- Reduces headache, fatigue, and insomnia
- Helps to lower blood pressure
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