Tag-Archive for » postures «

Definition of Cute? Born Yogis!

Babies and toddlers are wonderful examples of the miracle of the human body and it’s capabilities…. or at least, what it might have been capable of once upon a time!

When learning how to crawl, they will arch their torsos up into “Cobra”.  And just before they can walk, they will spend weeks crossing rooms in “Down Dog”.  Even while sleeping, they will unconsciously tuck into the aptly named “Baby Pose”.

As a photographer myself, I can’t imagine the time and patience that went into each and every image… babies aren’t known for doing what their told, after all.

Noticing that a baby naturally performs Yoga is one thing; getting these poses to occur in front of a camera is another story. The photographs that compose this book are captured moments, natural and candid fractions of a second where the lighting, expression and pose all come together. For most of the images, these poses and moves were completely spontaneous, the only staged elements being the placement of the baby or child and yoga mat in the proper light.

It doesn’t get much cuter than this!!  Between the wonderfully fun and engaging images and the inspirational text, Born Yogis is the perfect addition to any yoga family’s library.

Tree Pose… Or Vrksasana

OMG… One of my favourite postures.  I can stand in Tree Pose for (insert ValleyGirl accent here) like, forever.

From Mountain Pose, the trusty and so very foundational, Tadasana… I’m presuming toes are already spread, three points engaged, arches drawing up, with big ol’ quadriceps pulling kneecaps heaven-ly… bring weight to left foot.  With the help of a hand, bring the right foot up, sole of foot to inside of thigh.  Thanks to a ‘bit’ of lovely inner thigh flesh, I am able to bring my foot right below my crotch, to rest… ‘thank you’ inner thigh flesh.

I like to bring my attention to the energy between foot and thigh to establish a secure, steady posture.  In pressing one against the other with each responding in kind, there’s a fantastic and stabilizing force that helps to ensure the steady… as well, eyes relaxed, gaze fixed- read:blurred- down the length of the nose.  Shoulder blades are drawing down either side of the spine towards the tail bone, which is drawing towards the floor.

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh… Hands to Namaste.  When you feel a good stability, one where you might just feel like staying there all day, bring arms up overhead.  Conscious of shoulder blades drawing down and long.

Don’t forget to breathe, of course.  A nice ujayii.  Relaxed, yet engaged.  After a count of however many makes for a thorough appreciation for the posture for you, gently bring foot down.  Rest, breathe in Tadasana, and regain your stable foundation.

Repeat on other side.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh.

I love this posture.  In it I feel strong.  Everything is active.  While I have a natural sense of balance I love the confirmation this posture gives me.