Co-Written By: Carla Schils & the little YogaGal Dear Yogis
It’s the pose that makes me feel very nautical thinking about my legs and feet as ropes wrapping around one another. It’s the pose that serves me a slice of humility pie every time I realize my mind has wondered and I am not being present. It’s the pose that that got me to recognize the influence I have on my breath and within my heart beat.
Eagle Pose, otherwise known as Garuarasana is designed to emulate a eagle silently sitting on the earth. As the pose begins it’s important to practice being present with the environment and the words of the instructor. When exiting from the last posture feeling innately awkward and entering into an asayana that can encourage more openness, remember to continue to access the breath to help lighten the thoughts and body in any discomfort. If you feel intense pain, stop and take a step back, there is no rush.
Swing the arms down wrap the hands around each other and press the palms together. The thumbs should face the nose and the elbows drag down towards the floor. As the shoulders open up, this will become easier. Try not to lead the pose with the pull from the upper body and hands. Instead, attempt to relax the shoulders and attempt to make them level. This extension from the inner shoulder blades will strengthen not only the core, but also the central nervous system as well.
Now it is time to involve the lower half of the body. Bend the knees deeply enough so that the right leg can lift high up and over the relevant leg. The deeper one sits, the higher one can raise the appropriated leg to wrap around the other leg. Then wrap the feet around the ankles to eventually see all ten toes in the mirror. A modification of this pose is to simple point the big toe towards the desired direction. Remember to concentrate on one steady focal point to maintain balance. If you cannot yet see all ten toes, it’s okay, drop those expectations, because in the hot room it’s not about how much you’ve achieved. From here, bend the knees more to lower the hips and sit deeper. Arch the upper body back from here, lifting the shoulders and leaning back. At this point try to keep the elbows and wrists drawing down towards the knees.
Last but not least is the continuation of the attention to details. Observe the hips and square the hips to the front, moving the relevant knee and elbow towards the opposite side. The purpose of this is to line the elbows directly above the knees, so the wrists, elbows, knees and ankle joints all stack in one line through the center line of the body.
Benefits of this pose:
- Enhances lymphatic and blood circulation, immunity and the central nervous system and
- Stretches and strengthens the 14 joints of the skeletal system
- Brings fresh blood into the reproductive organs and kidneys
- Improves balance and metal focus
