In this photo, Karen Watson Reeves demonstrates Standing Figure Four Pose in front of a local March-themed mural. Photo by Fred Padilla.
By Karen Watson Reeves
As March rolls around here in Hot Springs, thoughts turn to all things green, specifically our unique and world-famous parade. Personally, my mind tunes in to green (a favorite color) and the number four, as in a four-leaf clover (a departure from the traditional three-leafed shamrock in the St. Paddy’s mural pictured).
The four leaves are said to stand for faith, hope, love, and luck, and perhaps that is where the phrase “the luck of the Irish” originates. You are lucky indeed to find a four-leaf clover, because who wouldn’t want more faith, hope, love, and luck? Further, who wouldn’t want to be stronger and more balanced, per the yoga pose featured this month?
This is a variation of Chair Pose, and practicing yogis know that all the modifications of Chair Pose are challenging and strengthening. Specifically, the core, quadriceps, calves, ankles, and glutes get stronger on the standing leg, while the outer hips and glutes are stretched. Holding this posture for a longer time can get muscles and joints to become more flexible and supple, helping to prevent injuries.
Because Standing Figure Four Pose is a balancing pose, the nervous system is alerted, which in turn activates all the cells in the body. Thus the heart rate increases, stimulating the circulatory, respiratory, and metabolic systems.
Standing Figure Four Pose is a balancing pose, which facilitates improvement of awareness of the body and the breath. Focus and concentration are required. When we balance we try to shift away from all the mental chatter and thoughts and focus on a single object. Perhaps one practicing Standing Figure Four Pose, or Four-Leaf Clover Pose in children’s yoga, could practice focusing on that pot of gold! Achieving balance requires more than luck, but finding the pot of gold would indeed be lucky!
“May the leprechauns be near you, to spread luck along your way. And may all the Irish angels smile upon you St. Patrick’s Day” (Irish Blessing)
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.
