In this photo, Karen demonstrates Scale Pose on a wintry January morning with the Garland County Courthouse in the background. Photo by Fred Padilla.
By Karen Watson Reeves
Anyone have trouble making decisions? Weighing options? Figuring out the best scenario?
In my growing up years my daddy and uncles owned and operated Watson Brothers Grocery in Mt. Holly, and one of my uncles was a butcher. There was a scale sitting on top of the fresh meat case, and I, my brother, all my cousins, and the other babies in our community were placed on that scale periodically to check our weight.
In our society we frequently use a scale to check our body weight, to see if we are gaining or losing pounds. I chose in front of the Garland County Courthouse (where there is still snow on the ground, and YES, it was a COLD photoshoot!!) because the pose reminds me of the scales of justice, which are about fairness in court cases.
There are two sides to every story, and each side of a case or story should be heard. Lady Justice, it is said, carefully “weighs” the claims of each side, using the scales of justice.
The yoga pose called scale or tolasana reminds us of a scale to weigh things, figuratively or literally. To be able to lift off into this arm balance posture, it is extremely helpful to be able to fold the legs into lotus pose. If the femur bones do not want to turn that much in the hip joint, the practitioner should not force it.
As in almost every yoga pose, there are modifications. Because of the position of the legs, scale pose is a hip opener, increasing flexibility. Other benefits include strengthening the wrists, arms, and shoulders. The core muscles are engaged while holding the pose, leaving them toned.
It is energizing and creates that natural high feeling as we lift off. It is fun to swing the body back and forth between the hands like a scale. A yoga practice (including achieving scale pose) brings awareness to the forefront of our minds. When we are mindful of our surroundings, our bodies, our options, we can weigh in with better decision-making considerations.
Now, anyone want to weigh in on this next winter weather scenario??!
Karen Watson Reeves has called Hot Springs home since 2006. Owner of The Yoga Place, at 301 Whittington Avenue, she became a registered yoga/children’s yoga teacher in 2011. When not on the mat, Karen enjoys the beautiful outdoors of the National Park, especially from her bicycle. For more information about her studio and her schedule of classes, visit www.theyogaplacehs.com.
