August 1, 2010

Seated Poses For Meditation 
by Mattie Eisenberg

• Padmasana [pod-MAHS-anna], Lotus Pose
• Baddha Konasana [BAH-dah cone-AHS-anna], Bound Angle Pose
• Virasana [veer-AHS-anna], Hero Pose 
  

This month we will be exploring postures designed for seated meditation. Following the Ayurvedic principle of living in rhythm with the seasons, we will respond to the August heat by incorporating moments of seated stillness into the practice.  

Padmasana, Baddha Konasana, and Virasana help to strengthen the hip, knee, and ankle joints. Since the condition of these joints vary greatly from yogi to yogi, we will be exploring three different poses to find the right one for your body. During the pose blood flow to these joints is restricted. The joints are strengthened when the pose is released and new freshly oxygenated blood flows back into them. Hero Pose is also therapeutic for high blood pressure and asthma while Lotus and Bound Angle Poses ease menstrual cramps and sciatica. All three help to relieve symptoms of menopause.  

The goals of any seated meditative posture are for the spine to be upright and for it to be comfortable. Both are equally important to facilitate mental clarity. This month we will use appropriate warm ups to enter into these poses with awareness and test the waters. Come discover where you’re at and where you end up at the end of the month!