The postures of Surya Namaskar, the Sun Salutation- a deeper insight.
3. Pada Hastasana:
The Posture: Feet slightly apart, knees straight ( can be bent if hamstrings are tight), upper body,torso bent from the hips, face close to the knees, palms flat, by the sides of the feet.
The Breath: Smooth Exhalation
The attitude: Of supplication; reaching down and inward;
The focus: Swadishtana or spleen center
The understanding: Connecting to the feminine aspect of oneself; expressing reverence to the earth; healing and nurturing
The chant: om (hroom) suryaya namaha – ‘hroom’ being the beeja or seed syllable that is purely vibrational in nature.
The meaning: Salutations to he who induces activity.
Benefits at the -
Physical Level: makes the spine resilient and straight. Stretches and strengthens the muscles of the legs and back; improves the digestive system and helps the flow of blood especially towards the head and face.
Mental Level: Focuses the mind on exhalation, relaxation.
Energetic Level: Connects to the earth; healing, feminine energy.
Spiritual Level: Strengthens the ability to give in to another point of view; expresses subtle graciousness.
(recommended that medical advice be taken before doing any of the exercises. Always better to initially start under the guidance of a trained Yoga instructor.)
