1-Yamas Archives • Daily Yogi

Happy September 10, 2023 – Natarajasana (King Dancer Pose)

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras and representative Asanas with the fifth and last of the Yamas – – Aparigraha or Non-Attachment.

King Dancer or Natarajasana (NAH-tah-ra-JAH-sa-nuh) is my choice to represent Aparigraha, since this is a very challenging balance and back bend. You will also likely fall over a few times, so enjoy a few laughs working on this Asana! In fact, I often work just the beginner version of this pose, and do not often come into the full version. this is a popular advanced Asana for Instagram, and I enjoy watching other Yogis journey with this pose! PS Check out the mythology behind this pose!

Natarajasana - King Dancer Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains — Natarajasana – King Dancer Pose

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asanas practice challenge for September! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Aparigraha Day today, I recommend a passive Yin or Restorative class, or a balance-focused series.

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without Wifi or phone signal. Today I am doing one of my favorites – Beginner AM (20 Minute), which includes the beginner version of this pose! I modify with more advanced versions of poses including full side plank, standard extended side angle, and lowering slowly from plank to Chaturanga Dandasana / Yoga Push-Up… I am still working arm strength to do the Intermediate version of this class!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try King Dancer Pose for Aparigraha Day! This is a challenging pose for all levels Yogis. Make sure to incorporate Aparigraha, and just practice without expectations, and see how you can progress with this journey pose. Remember – practice not perfection! We will talk about the variations of this pose as you progress today! Start in Tadasana – Mountain Pose.

If you would prefer an off-the-mat practice for Aparigraha Day – make a gratitude list!

Natarajasana – King Dancer Pose

Natarajasana - Beginner King Dancer Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains — Natarajasana – King Dancer Pose (Beginner)

Hips – Make sure your hips stay pointing forward, not opening to the side.

Head and Neck – Check where your ears are compared to your shoulders. Most of us keep our heads slightly forward. If you notice you are doing this, tuck your chin slightly and gently press back to bring your neck and ears into alignment with your shoulders. Gaze ahead at a single unmoving point to help with balance.

Arms – Grab the INSIDE of your right foot with your right hand, to begin opening your chest. Raise your left arm straight up, to come into the beginner pose above.

To move into the pose, exhale and lean forward slightly, raising your right leg and lowering your left arm to stay balanced. You may come as far forward as you are comfortable, but try to only lean as far forward with your arm as needed to offset lifting your leg. Eventually, you may grab your foot with both hands behind your head, but this expression of the pose requires master balance and flexibility.

To come out of either variation of this pose, first slowly lower down to the starting position, then release and slowly lower your foot back down to the ground on an exhale. Make sure to repeat this Asana on both sides, and notice any differences in balance and flexibility between sides without judgement!

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For today's practice, we are continuing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are learning High and Low Lunge and modified Sun Salutations with three variations of this Asana. ⁣

For today;s practice, we are continuing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are learning Uttanasana / Standing Forward Bend and modified Sun Salutations with three variations of this Asana. ⁣

We are continuing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are learning Talasana / Palm Tree Pose and modified Sun Salutations focused on chest opening. Daily Yogis are revisiting Talasana or another arboreal Asana - Vrksasana / Tree Pose. ⁣

Good morning Yogis! We are starting our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are starting with Tadasana / Mountain Pose, and a modified Sun Salutations focused on alignment. Check out our video under Tadasana for options for your hands! See full post for more!⁣

Happy Fall! Today is the Fall Equinox and the start of Libra Season. Today we are discussing Tolasana or Scales Pose for the start of Libra Season! This is a great arm and core workout. See full posts for instructions and variations!⁣

We are revisiting Sun Salutations today! We will be starting a series visiting each pose in this classic sequence, after recognizing the special new astrological month... stay tuned! ⁣

𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘮 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴. 𝘚𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘹. - 𝘉𝘳𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘔𝘤𝘎𝘪𝘭𝘭⁣

Today is Asana Day! We are discussing arguably the most important Asana of all - Corpse Pose or Shavasana. ⁣

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September 2023: Brahmacharya (Moderation) – Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

09/09/202309/09/2023 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 1-Yamas, 3-Asanas, Sun Salutations, Y4-Brahmacharya

Happy September 9, 2023 – Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
Bonus Daily Asana Challenge
Today’s Positive Practice suggestion
- Ustrasana – Camel Pose
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Happy September 9, 2023 – Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras and representative Asanas with the fourth of the Yamas – Brahmacharya or Moderation and Ustrasana or Camel Pose.

Since we are in the middle of an Asana-focused set of practices for September, we featuring a new Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Ustrasana and Ardha Ustrasana (ARD-huh oos-TRAH-sa-nuh) is my choice to represent Brahmacharya, since this pose requires moderation – you must gently lean back and avoid straining to avoid injury! This is a great pose for monitoring your yoga journey with Asanas, because you will come further and further into backbends as you increase your flexibility. I actually prefer Ardha Ustrasana, or the half version, with a Mudra!

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for September! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. So, for Brahmacharya Day today, I recommend a Hot Yoga class, which will include this pose.

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Half Camel and/or Camel Pose for Brahmacharya Day! This is a common peak pose that you should only practice after warming up, in the middle to end of your session. This is an intermediate pose that should always be followed with a counter-pose such as Sasangasana (Rabbit Pose) or Balasana (Child’s Pose).

If you would prefer an off-the-mat practice for Brahmacharya Day – try a digital detox!

Ustrasana – Camel Pose

Start sitting on your feet in a comfortable kneeling position. On an inhale, come up onto your knees, keeping your legs about hip-distance apart and your feet pointing straight. Place your palms on your hips, with your fingers pointing forward and elbows pointing back. Exhale, press your hips forward while you roll your shoulders back and lift your chest, to come into a slight backend with your hands supporting your lower back. As you deepen the backend, you can reach one hand back at a time to hold your heels.

Beginner Yogis may want to come into Ardha Ustrasana – Half Camel Pose as pictured below. Reach only one hand back, and reach the other hand straight up. I like to touch my first finger to my thumb in a Mudra. If you are having problems reaching your heel, you can also come up onto your toes to decrease the distance you must reach!

Finally, to come out of this pose, inhale and put your hands back on your lower back, come back up onto your knees, and then sit back on your heels. Remember to always follow this pose with Sasangasana (Rabbit Pose) or Balasana (Child’s Pose)

Ardha Ustrasana - Half Camel Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains — Ardha Ustrasana – Half Camel Pose

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PS If you are comfortable with variations of these poses, please tag us with your pictures on Instagram!

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Please comment to share your experience! Have you tried both versions of Camel Pose before? Do you prefer a different Mudra with this pose? Always remember, be kind!

September 2023: Asteya (Non-Stealing) – Sasangasana (Rabbit Pose)

09/08/202309/09/2023 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 1-Yamas, 3-Asanas, Y3-Asteya

Happy September 8, 2023 – Sasangasana (Rabbit Pose)
Bonus Daily Asana Challenge
Today’s Positive Practice suggestion
- Sasangasana – Rabbit Pose
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Happy September 8, 2023 – Sasangasana (Rabbit Pose)

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras with the third of the Yamas – Asteya or Non-Stealing. Since we are in the middle of a September Daily Asana Challenge, we are featuring a new Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Sasangasana (SAH–sahn-GAH-sa-nuh) or Rabbit Pose is my choice to represent Asteya since this is a moderate inversion pose where you must find the right balance for yourself, and one way to practice Asteya is examining and maintaining balance in our relationships, making sure to support those who support us.

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asana-focused set of practices for September! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Asteya Day today, I recommend a gentle Yin or Restorative class.

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Sasangasana / Rabbit Pose for Asteya Day! This is a beginner pose that is great for neck and shoulder tension, but you must be cautious to only go as far into this pose as you are comfortable.

If you would prefer an off-the-mat practice for Asteya Day – perform a random act of generosity!

Sasangasana – Rabbit Pose

Start in a comfortable kneeling position. Lean slightly forward, roll your back as much as possible, and place your head down on the mat in front of your knees. Grab the back of your feet with your hands, on an inhale, lift your hips and lean forward rolling onto the top of your head. Hold for 30-60 seconds, and release back to a kneeling position.

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

PS If you are comfortable with variations of this pose, please tag us with your pictures on Instagram!

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September 2023: Satya (Truthfulness) – Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero’s Pose)

09/07/202309/09/2023 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 1-Yamas, 3-Asanas, Y2-Satya

Happy September 7, 2023 – Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero’s Pose)
Bonus Daily Asana Challenge
Today’s Positive Practice suggestion
- Supta Virasana – Reclined Hero Pose
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Happy September 7, 2023 – Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero’s Pose)

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras with the second of the Yamas – Satya or Truthfulness. We are in the middle of a special Asana-focused round through the Sutras. Each day, we will feature a new Asana (including more intermediate poses) that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Supta Virasana (Sup-tuh Vi-RAH-sa-nuh) or Reclined Hero Pose is my choice to represent Satya, since I feel sharing kind truths requires both courage and openness represented by this pose.

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of daily Asana-focused practices for September! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to youtube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Satya Day today, I recommend an alignment-focused Iyengar class.

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without WiFi or phone signal. Today I am doing one of my favorites – Beginner Flexibility (30 Minute), and switching out Camel Pose for Reclined Hero Pose!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Supta Virasana / Reclined Hero’s Pose for Satya Day! This is one of my favorite poses, and I often enjoy switching this pose with more targeted breathwork for Camel Pose. We will talk about how to get into this pose from a kneeling position today!

WARNING – This is an intermediate pose, requiring a lot of flexibility in the legs, lower back, and front of body. You may want to consider trying with one leg in front at a time, or only coming back into Ardha Supta Virasana or Half Reclined Hero Pose, especially if you have knee problems!

If you would prefer an off-the-mat practice for Satya Day – share a kind truth with someone you care about!

Supta Virasana – Reclined Hero Pose

Start in a comfortable kneeling position. Lean slightly forward to bring your knees together and spread your feet, placing your bottom between your feet, your hands on your thighs, and sit tall in Virasana Pose for a few breaths. Keep your knees and seat grounded as you move from Virasana into the reclined pose.

Virasana - Hero's Hero Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains — Virasana – Hero Pose

Place your hands on the mat behind your seat with fingers pointing forward. Come down onto your elbows into Ardha Supta Virasana, or Half Reclined Hero Pose. This may be enough!

Ardha Supta Virasana - Half Reclined Hero Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains — Ardha Supta Virasana – Half Reclined Hero Pose

If you are able, keep walking your hands forward to lay all the way back on the ground. You can leave your hands here, next to your knees, or bring your hands together and rest behind your head for an extra chest and shoulder opening.

Supta Virasana - Reclined Hero Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains

To come out of this pose, walk your arms back under your ribs and come back up onto your elbows into Ardha Supta Virasana, and slowly walk your arms and torso back up to Virasana. Make if you are placing one leg forward in a beginner modification to repeat this Asana on both sides!

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

PS If you are comfortable with variations of this pose, please tag us with your pictures on Instagram!

Check out our Top 5 Yoga Mats and Equipment for Newbies!

You may want to try a couch pillow or blanket under the knees for extra support.

Top 5 Yoga Equipment for Newbies

Top 5 Yoga Mats

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September 2023: Ahimsa (Non-Harming) – Parsva Balasana (Thread the Needle Pose)

09/06/202309/07/2023 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 1-Yamas, 3-Asanas, Y1-Ahimsa

Happy September 6, 2023 – Parsva Balasana (Thread the Needle Pose)
Bonus Daily Asana Challenge
Today’s Positive Practice suggestion
- Parsva Balasana – Thread the Needle Pose
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Happy September 6, 2023 – Parsva Balasana (Thread the Needle Pose)

Good morning Yogis! If you have not noticed, we are keeping our August Asana challenge going into September! We are beginning our cycle through the Yoga Sutras, and starting with the first of the Yamas – Ahimsa or Non-Harming. We are beginning a special Asana-focused round through the Sutras. Each day, we will feature a new Asana (including more intermediate poses) that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Thread the Needle Pose or Parsva Balasana (PAR-svuh buh-LAH-sa-nuh) / is my choice to represent Ahimsa, since this is part of a great opening series to help avoid injury, by gently opening and warming up the back at the beginning of Asana practice!

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of daily Asana-focused practices for September! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to youtube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Ahimsa Day today, I recommend a gentle Yin or Restorative class.

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without WiFi or phone signal. Today I am doing one of my favorites – Beginner Combination (30 Minute), which includes a Cat / Cow opening!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try some Thread the Needle Pose for Ahimsa Day! This is a common opening pose series for all levels of Yogis and all styles of Yoga. We will talk about how to get into both variations from Table Top or Bharmanasana today! Start in Table Top – with hands directly under shoulders, and knees directly under hips.

If you would prefer an off-the-mat practice for Ahimsa Day – perform a random act of kindness!

Parsva Balasana – Thread the Needle Pose

We will perform on both sides, starting turning towards the LEFT with the RIGHT shoulder down.

Bharmanasana - tabletop pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains — *Table Top – Bharmanasana*
*Click image above for our Yoga Ab Workout!*

Feet & Legs – Start in Bharmanasana / Table Top with tops of feet laying on the mat and both hands directly under shoulders. Your legs should stay hip-distance apart in Table Top. You will keep both knees and feet grounded on the mat in table top through this Asana / pose!

Hips – Keep your hips in place when moving from Bharmanasana / Table Top with your hips over your knees.

Torso – On the exhale, you will keep your spine long and turn your rib cage to the left with your shoulder.

Arms and Head – On the exhale, slide your RIGHT hand and arm behind and under your LEFT hand. Keep ‘threading the needle’ until your RIGHT shoulder is on the ground, and rest your right ear on the mat. You can then reach your LEFT hand either straight in front of you on the mat, or reach straight up towards the sky.

Breathe into your ribs and hips, and hold the pose for 30-60 seconds. To come out, place your LEFT hand back down, and unthread your right arm to come back into Bharmasana / Table Top, and repeat on the other side.

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

PS If you are comfortable with variations of these poses, please tag us with your pictures on Instagram!

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Please comment to share your experience with this beginner Ashtanga series! Which version did you try? What did you think? Always remember, be kind!

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Asana August 2023: Aparigraha (Non-Attachment) – Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana (Standing Hand to Big Toe)

08/11/202308/11/2023 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 1-Yamas, 3-Asanas, Y5-Aparigraha

Happy Asana August 11, 2023 – Aparigraha (Non-Attachment) – Standing Hand to Big Toe
Bonus Daily Asana Challenge
Today’s Positive Practice suggestion
- Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana Variation – Standing Hand to Big Toe Variation
- Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana – Standing Hand to Big Toe
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Happy Asana August 11, 2023 – Aparigraha (Non-Attachment) – Standing Hand to Big Toe

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras and representative Asanas with the fifth and last of the Yamas – – Aparigra h a or Non-Attachment.

Standing Hand to Big Toe or Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana (OOT-hit-TAH HAH-stah Pa-dahn-goose-THAH-sa-nuh) is my choice to represent Aparigraha, since this is a very challenging balance and full-leg stretch. You will also likely fall over a few times, so enjoy a few laughs working on this Asana! In fact, I usually practice with a variation of this pose, and I occasionally work on the full version but cannot fully straighten my leg. Please see our wonderful featured Yogi @metalynith who is making awesome progress with flexibility and balance in her Yoga practice, and volunteered to model this challenging Asana for me <3!

Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana - standing hand to big toe pose - yoga pose girl glasses wearing black trippy cool background — Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana – Standing Hand to Big Toe Pose

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asanas practice challenge for August! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Aparigraha Day today, I recommend a passive Yin or Restorative class, or a balance-focused series.

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without Wifi or phone signal. Today I am doing one of my favorites – Beginner AM (20 Minute), which includes the beginner version of this pose that I can do! I modify with more advanced versions of poses including full side plank, standard extended side angle, and lowering slowly from plank to Chaturanga Dandasana / Yoga Push-Up… I am still working arm strength to do the Intermediate version of this class!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try some Standing Hand to Foot for Aparigraha Day! This is a challenging pose for all levels Yogis. Make sure to incorporate Aparigraha, and just practice without expectations, and see how you can progress with this journey pose. Remember – practice not perfection! We will talk about the variations of this pose both with and without the toe hold today! Start in Tadasana – Mountain Pose.

If you would prefer an off-the-mat practice for Aparigraha Day – try making a gratitude list!

Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana Variation – Standing Hand to Big Toe Variation

Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana - standing hand to big toe pose variation - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach — Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana – Beginner Standing Hand to Big Toe

Hips – Make sure your hips are neutral. Err on the side of tucking your tailbone under, rather than sticking your booty out.

Arms – Place your hands on your hips to stay balanced in this pose.

Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana – Standing Hand to Big Toe

Feet and Legs – Start in Tadasana – Mountain Pose. Claw your toes into the mat slightly to keep your arches from falling into the mat. Perhaps keep a slight bend in the knee, Always make sure you avoid hyper-extending or locking your knees. We will perform with the right leg first – so shift all weight into your left leg. After placing your hands on your hips, inhale and slowly bend your right leg and lift your right foot in towards your groin. Grab a hold of your right big toe with your right index and middle fingers. On an exhale, slowly extend your leg forward. It is okay if you cannot get your leg straight – it is better to keep your spine long than have a straight leg.

Hips – Make sure your hips are neutral. Err on the side of tucking your tailbone under, rather than sticking your booty out.

Torso – Notice your rib cage in mountain pose. If you notice the bottom of rib cage is sticking out, pull back in and down to correct your posture. Next notice your shoulders. Try to gently roll your shoulders back and down, away from your ears. Notice how this helps your chest open. Make sure you keep your back straight throughout this Asana, and do not let your shoulders or lower back round. If you notice your back rounding, either bend your knee slightly to straighten your back, or work the beginner version of this Asana above until you can come into parallel to the ground without losing your posture.

Arms – Place your left hand on your left hip to help stay balanced in this pose. Keep a hold of your right big toe with your right index and middle fingers, and bend your elbow to deepen the stretch.

To come out of either variation of this pose, first release any toe hold and slowly lower your foot back down to the ground on an exhale. Make sure to repeat this Asana on both sides, and notice any differences in balance and flexibility between sides without judgement!

PS If you are comfortable with variations of these poses, please tag us with your pictures on Instagram!

Want more Aparigraha practices? Check out our Aparigraha Guide!

Follow us on Instagram – easy access to our daily positive practices
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Asana August 2023: Brahmacharya (Moderation) – Anuvittasana (Standing Backbend)

08/10/202308/10/2023 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 1-Yamas, 3-Asanas, Sun Salutations, Y4-Brahmacharya

Happy Asana August 10, 2023 – Brahmacharya (Moderation) – Standing Backbend
Bonus Daily Asana Challenge
Today’s Positive Practice suggestion
- Anuvittasana – Standing Backbend
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Happy Asana August 10, 2023 – Brahmacharya (Moderation) – Standing Backbend

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras and representative Asanas with the fourth of the Yamas – Brahmacharya or Moderation and Anuvittasana. Standing Backbend or Anuvittasana (Ah-NUH-vee-TAH-sa-nuh) is my choice to represent Brahmacharya, since this pose requires moderation – you must gently lean back and avoid straining to avoid injury! This is a great pose for monitoring your yoga journey with Asanas, because you will come further and further into backbends as you increase your flexibility. Moreover, this pose literally translates from Sanskrit as “found” or “obtained” pose. I think further emphasizes the journey aspect of this Asana.

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for August! Please see o ur Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. So, for Brahmacharya Day today, I recommend a Vinyasa class, which will include this pose as part of Sun Salutations.

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try some Standing Backbends for Brahmacharya Day! This is a common opening pose series for all levels Yogis and all styles of Yoga. We will now talk about the standing and supported variations of this pose today! Start in Tadasana – Mountain Pose.

If you would prefer an off-the-mat practice for Brahmacharya Day – try a ditgital detox!

Anuvittasana – Standing Backbend

Feet – Think of your feet as three primary contact points with the ground. These are the heels, pinky toes, and big toes. Make sure your big toes are touching. If possible, make sure the back of your heels are touching. If you have a lower back injury like I do, you may also find it easier to keep the heels slightly apart. Claw your toes into the mat slightly to keep your arches from falling into the mat.

Legs – Make sure your legs are comfortably straight. Perhaps keep a slight bend in the knee. Always make sure you avoid hyper-extending or locking your knees.

Hips – Make sure your hips are neutral to start. Then on the exhale, tuck your tailbone under and press your hips slightly forward to come into the backbend. As you get more comfortable with this pose, you can press your hips further forward to come into a deeper backbend.

Torso – Notice your rib cage in Tadasana / Mountain Pose. If you notice the bottom of rib cage is sticking out, pull back in and down to correct your posture. Next notice your shoulders. Try to gently roll your shoulders back and down, away from your ears. Notice how this helps your chest open. First inhale your hands into position, and then exhale as you gently press your hips forward and lean your torso back into a comfortable backbend.

Arms – On an inhale before exhaling back into this pose, bring your arms over your head next to your ears, keeping your shoulders down and back. You can press your palms together, or keep them slightly separated.

Beginner Yogis may want to come into Salamba Anuvittasana – Supported Standing Backbend as pictured below. Point your fingers down towards the mat and press your palms into your hips or lower back, and make sure your elbows stay pointed straight back to help your chest open.

Finally, to come out of this pose, lead forward and lift with your chest on an inhale to come back into Tadasana / Mountain Pose.

Salamba Anuvittasana - standing supported backbend pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach — Salamba Anuvittasana – Standing Supported Backbend

Come into Anuvittasana / Standing Backbend on inhales, and back to Tadasana / Mountain. or all the way forward to Uttanasana / Stand i ng Forward Bend on exhales. Then, repeat a few times. I recommend this series to stretch and warm up the spine and torso at the beginning of Asana practice!

PS If you are comfortable with variations of these poses, please tag us with your pictures on Instagram!

Want more Brahmacharya practices? Check out our Brahmacharya Guide!