I’ve been known to wax enviously about this posture and those who are able to enjoy its full potential… but despite my own challenges in the posture… ILOVE IT!
I consider it the most beautiful- strong, graceful, intense.
Myself, it takes some time resting in Tadasana- Mountain Pose to gather myself before I embark upon this energetic journey that is Natarajasana. Breathe… fix gaze… breathe…
With gaze fixed, supporting foot- let’s say, left- is grounded toes spread, weight centred throughout all points from heel to balls (ahem…;) Reach for the right foot with the right hand, gently grasping around the inner arch.
In tandem, the torso and leg being raised pull in opposite directions simultaneously out and up, the heart reaching forward. The left arm is extended forward guiding the torso. There should be a delightful energy- a blissful tension- as the leg and torso work to extend opposite one another, while engaging a graceful arc in the back. Ooooohhhhh… tingles! Yes, tingles… I said I LOVED this posture!
The supporting leg is strong and long, the head of the thigh bone pulled up deep into the hip as it provides solid foundation.
If you’re more ambitious, or more flexible, the arm extended forward can also reach back to grasp the outer arch of the foot, drawing the shin again, both out and upwards. Strong. All the while, the heart reaches up… as though a string is attached pulling towards the ceiling. Yum.
There are moments in this life… work-at-home husband, homeschooling the kids, large dog, three new kittens, impending spousal unemployment (read: formerly work-at-home husband somewhere-on-the-golf course)… where the tension just seems to mount.
