Some of the most fulfilling and challenging poses in yoga are balancing poses. When we think of balancing in yoga we tend to think of Vrksasana (tree pose) or Sirsasana (headstand). However balancing in yoga can be standing balances, arm balances, body balance through doing a pose on two sides, or breath balance through pranayama.
Here are some benefits of Balancing Poses:
- Enhances focus and concentration
- Improves proprioception (spatial body awareness)
- Improve neuromuscular coordination
- Build joint stability
- Improve agility
- Decrease reaction time
- Reverse age-related loss of balance
- Prevent lower back pain
Here are some of my balancing tips:
1. Start at your base
Without firm foundations, a building will fall. You need to build a strong base. If you are standing one one leg, be acutely aware of your connection with the floor, feel all of the toes, feel the heel. Keep a % of your focus always in that standing foot, and constantly root down.
2. Fix your gaze
If you are looking al around you will wobble and fall. Fix your gaze (drishti) on an unmoving point and stay with it. The stability of your gaze will aid your bodily stability.
3. Be firm
If you are soft in a balancing pose you will be wobbly. You benefit from a strong sense of gripping and holding, it will enhance your stability. Draw into your centre.
4. Manage your fear
If you worry about falling on your face, put a bolster where you might fall. If you are concerned about falling out of Tree pose (vrksasana) stand close to a wall. When you build more confidence you can move away.
5. Do not take yourself too seriously
What will happen if you fall. Not a lot most likely. The area most likely to bruise is your ego! Let go of the striving, relax your mind a little, and see the humour in the pose. There is something inherently ridiculous about balancing poses, so play and enjoy!
