Yoga for Life: Challenging Balance through Half-Moon Pose

Posted 9/28/22

“Balancing” the human body incorporates all of the appendages to walk straight, run and sit without falling.

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Yoga for Life: Challenging Balance through Half-Moon Pose

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“Balancing” the human body incorporates all of the appendages to walk straight, run and sit without falling. The best way to sit down in a chair is to stand tall, feet shoulder width apart, bend the knees with a straight back and lower into a seat. Work on strengthening the lower body instead of grabbing side rails to hold onto with the arms. You can do it with practice by gradually turning the work over to the legs.

When you sit straight in a chair, notice how the organs/muscles are extended to induce greater blood flow throughout the body, stimulating the absorption of nutrients. Slumping in a chair over a computer for long periods of time, does not enhance natural blood flow through all of the organs and the delivery of nutrients/oxygen. Unconscious habits when sitting, standing and walking can contribute to malfunction of the internal organs.

Since the human body is sustained by oxygenated blood flowing through the organs/bones/muscles and tissues, it is important to focus on posture and execution of movement. This process is natural, unless disrupted by negative habits and lack of mental awareness.

The “Half-Moon” Yoga posture is well-regarded by practioneers for its ability to open the shoulders, hips, hamstrings and spine. It awakens the organs in the body to work together to execute the posture. This challenging pose invigorates the entire body and regenerates oxygen/blood flow to the extremities. “Half Moon” pose is a slow-moving posture, aligning the appendages and lengthening them to hold the form for several minutes while deeply breathing.

Maintain focus while aligning the legs, arms and feet wide apart in a straight line, maintaining balance on one leg while lengthening one arm extended into the air. Notice the alignment of the back, which can be supported by a wall, as one leg is extended and both arms elongated. The head is also turned toward the sky or ceiling. If it is difficult to reach the floor with one arm and support the body in a straight line, a yoga block can provide assistance for balance.

“Half Moon” pose is about alignment of the body, keeping the legs and arms in a straight line. The grounded leg stands firm with toes straight forward. The beauty of this pose is the symmetrical alignment of the appendages, a key to balance. Hold the pose while deeply breathing for several minutes. In the near future, to gain more practice and application of form, we will hold a Yoga workshop on “Balance” for everyone to attend.

Life is “balance” in the mind, body and emotions. Yoga is a gateway in this process!

Join the Yoga classes for fun and fitness:

Mondays, 6-7:30 p.m. Avon Park, Peter Powell Parker Museum on Main Street
Tuesdays, 1:00-2:00 p.m. Shield Medical Group, Sebring, north on U.S. 27 past Sun and Lakes turn-off, Shield is on the right.

yoga, fitness, exercise, mediation, stretching, stretches, breathing

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