Humble Warrior, demonstrated by Karen Watson Reeves, opens the heart to giving and receiving, followed by bowing in humility and gratitude. Photo by Fred Padilla.
By Karen Watson Reeves
Even though we should be aware of blessings and practice gratitude every day, in November American’s thoughts turn to thanksgiving. And even though we all have troubles and difficulties, most of us can honestly say that when we look around, we find we have so much for which to be grateful.
Besides the obvious family, friends, food, shelter, and other basic necessities I am thankful for, I feel so overwhelmed to live in such a beautiful place as Hot Springs. I love living in a national park with the mountains, thermal waters, cold springs for my drinking water, trails, trees, and plants; I love the historic downtown; I love the arts community, including music and theatre; I love the people that share this town with me, and I especially love the lakes!!
This month is not the first photo setting on Lake Hamilton, but it is appropriate for the thanksgiving season for me, as is the pose, Humble Warrior. The first picture shows opening the heart to receiving and to giving. After the opening, the second posture represents bowing in humility and gratitude.
The physical benefits of this pose include stretching the spine and the muscles around it, improving flexibility in the spine. The chest, arms, abdomen, hips, pelvic floor, gluteus maximus, groin, hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, core, and leg muscles are all activated, strengthening all these areas.
As the head falls below the heart in this forward bend, blood flow is increased to the neck, face, and head. The forward bend draws our focus inward, helping the mind stay calm and focused. The happy hormones such as serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins are induced. This helps decrease cortisol, which is what promotes stress and anxiety. When negative thoughts and emotions are eliminated, it is easier to focus on positive feelings and to be grateful.
The Humble Warrior pose helps you feel grounded. The bent head toward the earth means that you are staying humble to your roots and acknowledging your connection to the Divine. Staying humble helps you find stability and awareness, as well as the confidence to face challenges.
As we turn to November and enjoy the season of fall, harvest, and thanksgiving, remember to incorporate a daily practice of gratitude, humbly receiving the gifts that are ours to recognize and claim!
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. She is on the Hot Springs YMCA teaching staff and is an adjunct instructor at National Park College. 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.
