Parivrtta Hasta Padangusthasana
Your Monthly Yoga Pose
Parivrtta hasta padangusthasana is a challenging position that gives us the opportunity to practice the art of balance. The posture requires muscular strength, flexibility, focus, and balance, all while twisting the torso and shifting the gaze.
Having strength can make carrying the load easier. This is true both literally and figuratively. The simple act of carrying groceries becomes easier if your muscles are used to the workload. Mental strength, or resiliency, makes emotional loads manageable. Dancing Shiva pose lets you work on the strength in your legs and core.
Flexibility is another benefit to this posture. The hamstrings, IT band, chest, and even the eyes all receive a wonderful stretch. While the standing leg gets the strength, the lifted leg and torso open up. Shifting the gaze toward the back thumb broadens the distance for your eyes.
As with most balancing postures, parivrtta hasta padangusthasana lets you practice your ability to focus. Although your body is twisted and stretched, by letting your gaze rest upon your thumb, you tell your mind that all is okay and you have this posture under control.
- Stand in mountain pose and allow your weight to shift into the standing left leg.
- Lift the right leg and hold the knee with the left hand.
- Simultaneously, twist into the leg while opening the right arm toward the back.
- Shift your gaze toward your right thumb.
- If your right leg allows it, let your left hand reach your right foot.
- As you breathe out, twist a bit deeper.
- Stay for five breaths before switching sides.
Namaste.
Photos by Kelly Rodriguez
