“Venus of the Springs” watches over Karen Reeves as she demonstrates Dolphin Pose.
By Karen Watson Reeves
The recently completed mural “Venus of the Springs” lured me to pose in front of her, as I had watched the progress for months and enjoyed the cover and story of the mural in the December edition of The Springs. If she is based on the Roman goddess, Venus, then she encompasses love, beauty, desire, prosperity, and even playfulness.
As I contemplated what pose to do, Dolphin Pose was suggested to me by friend and business partner, Sharon Stickney. Venus seems to be rising up from the sea, as do dolphins, who are considered to be playful, fun-loving, and known for creating harmony, peace, and kindness.
Dolphin Pose is an inversion that increases blood flow to the brain, improving memory, concentration, and awareness. It is an excellent whole-body workout, especially when held for several moments. Dolphin Pose helps open the shoulders, armpits, and upper back.
It strengthens and increases flexibility in the spine, hips, arms, and legs. The core and back muscles are toned. Many muscles are utilized to hold this pose including the hamstrings, gluteus maximus, deltoids, quadriceps, triceps, and others.
Dolphin Pose is associated with the crown chakra (the seven major chakras make up the energetic body). When the crown chakra is stimulated, trust, inspiration, happiness, positivity, and a deep connection with self can result. Like the playful mammal the pose is named for, Dolphin is a great way to dive into a yoga practice (a New Year’s resolution, perhaps?) and explore the waters of something new.
And maybe we can all set an intention to be more playful, loving, positive, trustworthy, and grateful in the new year. I am extremely grateful to my amazing photographer, Fred Padilla, and to my editor extraordinaire, JoAnn Mangione!
Happy 2023 to all the loyal readers of The Springs! 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.
