moon

THE HALF MOON POSE YOGA MINI CHALLENGE

Posted on by pennyjoliver

Welcome to Yoga with Penny!

This month, I will teach you how to shine in Half Moon Pose.

Balancing on one leg appears very intimidating for a beginner yogi. Yet, just like the moon has phases, working to full extension with our Half Moon Pose also takes time. At the beginning, use a chair or a wall for support. Because yoga is about being kind and loving to ourselves it is perfectly acceptable to use props to help us get into and out of certain postures. And because the Half Moon Pose is very beneficial to our over all health and well being, it is a yoga posture worth our time and effort.

Practiced on a regular basis, this posture will greatly improve our proprioception. This is the medical term for how our body knows what position we are in. It also informs our body when unanticipated events happen. For example, if we are walking on rocks and we feel unstable, our foot and ankle will send this info to our brain. Our body will then respond immediately by extending our arms to balance. Our eyes will then quickly find a new rock ahead to regain stability. Keeping our proprioception activated will help us to live stable, injury-free lives, especially as we age.

The Half Moon Pose

Place a chair on your right side for support.

Place your feet hip width apart.

Turn your right foot to the right side.

Bend your forward right knee and lift your back leg.

Try to keep both hips facing forward.

You can place your right hand on the chair or mat for support. Keep your hands directly below your shoulders.

Lift your left hand up or place it on your hips.

Turn your head forward.

Try to breathe deeply for 10 deep breaths. If you fall, try again.

You may feel a tendency to fall backward. Even so, try to align your entire body directly over your standing leg.

You may only be able to lift your leg an inch. That’s the perfect place for you to start!

Try a few times on the right leg, then repeat and balance on your left leg.

Practice often. You will see and feel results. Know that every time you shoot for the moon, you will be doing your body a world of good!

Thanks for joining me.

peace and love,

Penny!

 

 

 

 

 

 

HALF MOON POSE MINI CHALLENGE (Be the moon)

Posted on by pennyjoliver

Half Moon Pose, or Ardha Chandrasana, is a challenging Yoga pose that builds balance, total body strength and extension. According to an article published in Yoga Journal Magazine, the Chandra in the word Chandrasana refers to the brilliance of the moon. The extension of your torso in one direction and the uplifted leg in the other draws a line that represents the flat edge of the moon. The energy in your extended arms and standing leg radiate out, like beams in the night sky.

“Be the Moon” and feel expansive and bright as you hold Half Moon Pose. Picture in your mind an illuminated moon in the blackest dark night. It’s shining because it’s reflecting the sun. The moon is the only witness that the sun is still there. Half Moon Pose is an amazing Pose to remind us to “Be the Moon’ in our lives by reflecting the one true Light.

There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John. (Known as John the Baptist) He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe.

John 1:6-7

Half Moon Pose is the balanced version of Extended Triangle Pose. To enter and to exit Half Moon Pose, one must pass through Triangle Pose.

 

Directions

Start in Triangle Pose.

Simply bend your forward leg and place your forward hand about a foot out in front of you.

Gently straighten your forward leg, shifting all of your weight upon it. Feel like you are lifting off.

Slowly extending your back leg, letting your heel lead your foot. Raise your arm up from your shoulder. Look up at your arm. Open your torso and expand in all directions.

Try to maintain the balance of your body on one line. Your body will naturally want your torso to lean forward, for fear of falling backward. With consistent practice, your balance and strength will greatly improve.

Repeat Half Moon Pose on your other leg.

For a less vigorous approach, use a wall for balance.

Try to keep your body as straight as the wall. Your heel, buttocks, and possibly your shoulders will touch the wall. The wall will keep you on the line that your body should be on too. A wall will allow you to open more vigorously with no fear of falling backward.

You may also use a chair, table or counter top for balance and support. Simply hold on and lift off!

Shine on!

Halleluyah!