HAPPY BABY POSE - ANANDA BALASANA
is a wonderful, calming pose to either end a high intensity Vinyasa Style class or begin a Yin Yoga session. This pose can be very challenging for those who have been sitting a lot, so using a strap will come in handy. Try rocking in this position to massage your muscles left and right of spine, called Erector Spinae on your Lower and Mid Back.
PROPS:
- optional Strap/ Belt
BENEFITS:
- gently stretches the inner groin and the lower spine
- calms the mind, helps relieve stress or fatigue
CAUTIONS:
- do not practice with pain, esp. in Groins or Hips, or with serious knee injuries
STEP BY STEP:
- Lie on your back. With an exhale, bend knees into chest.
- Allow your knees to open up wider than your torso, so you can grab the outsides of your feet.
- If you can not reach your feet, wrap a strap over both feet and grab the ends on the outsides of both feet.
- Your shins are perpendicular towards the floor. Feet flexed.
- Slowly try to lower your sacrum down towards the mat, and at the same time gently pulling your knees down towards your armpits.
- If it feels good: try rolling left and right like a Happy Baby without Nappies. :)
Modifications: ARDHA ANANDA BALASANA
- For a one-legged variation, just grab your right foot. Left foot stays flat on the ground or left leg extends.
- Avoid collapsing to the right side.
- Keep your left hip grounded.
- Could your breaths. And change sides.
