Ananda Balasana: Happy Baby Pose
Ananda balasana (ah-NAHN-duh bah-LAHS-ah-nah) stretches the inner groin, hamstrings, and lower back. Invite the attitude of a joyful baby with this pose!
Philosophy and Origin:
Dasharatha, the King of Ayodhya, was a famous warrior and a protector of dharma (life purpose). He had three wives and no children. He longed for an heir, and Mother Earth was seeking a protector to save her bounty from unscrupulous and devious desires. Tradition teaches that as the wick of dharma burns low, Vishnu the preserver uses birth to set things right again. Mother Earth’s call meant that Vishnu would return.
After performing a sacrifice that yielded a golden milk pudding, the king was instructed to share this bounty with his wives with the promise of fertility and children. Each of his wives became pregnant and would give birth to all of his children. It is often thought that the divine is born into each person on a regular basis and unexpectedly, and we can understand this story as an allegory of how we treat our minds and bodies: avatars and other deities represent potentials waiting to be realized.
Sanskrit:
- Ananda: blissful, pure bliss
- Bala: baby
- Asana: pose
Physical Benefits:
- Opens and stretches the hips.
- Stretches the inner groins and hamstrings.
- Lengthens the spine.
Preparatory Poses:
- Childs pose | Balasana
- Reclined hand to foot pose
Sequential Poses:
- Cow face pose | Gomukhasana
- Reclined twist
Counter Poses:
- Bridge pose | Setu bandhasana
- Savasana
Adjustments/Modifications:
- Hold your ankles or shins.
- Place a blanket under your neck.
- Hold each foot with a yoga strap looped around the middle arch of each foot.
Step-By-Step:
- Start on your back with your knees drawn in toward your chest.
- Grab hold of the pinky toe sides of your feet, with your elbows on the inside of your knees.
- Draw your shoulders toward the ground, tone your arms, and flex your feet as you pull down on your feet.
- Draw your knees wide and toward your armpits and try to stack ankles above knees.
- Lengthen your lower back down to the ground.
- Stay here for up to one minute, and then release and draw your knees into your chest.
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Ustrasana: Camel Pose
ADJUSTMENTS | BENEFITS | MANTRA | MUDRA | PREP POSES | SANSKRIT | STEPS
Ustrasana (oosh-TRAHS-anna), offers a long list of benefits for both the physical and subtle bodies. Thanks to its many different variations and modifications, there are plenty of ways for individuals of all levels to appreciate the chest-opening and chakra-opening effects of camel pose.
Philosophy + Origin
Camel pose is named because the shape resembles the hump on a camel’s back, however there are other ways to consider the name when approaching the posture. Camels are known for their slow, steady, almost methodical way of moving. Rather than trying to race into the posture, moving slowly and methodically will help you find its benefits safely. Camels use their humps as food reserves, like well-packed bags ready to be used when needed. This type of physical preparation, a part of the camel’s natural adaptation for survival, is essential for this pose as well. Take your time to gather and practice the skills and knowledge necessary to take a back-bending journey to ensure that you come in and out of the posture with ease and poise.
