By Karen Watson Reeves
This pose definitely has it all—balance, strength and flexibility! But as you look at the photo, don’t even think, “I could never do that!”
Most of us struggle with balance, whether it’s a yoga pose or balancing work and leisure. And when we are constantly telling ourselves “I have terrible balance,” we tend to believe that negative conversation in our heads.
As in any pose, there are modifications. Instructors will begin with the basic movements and then invite you to progress to the pose as pictured.
One of my students recently referred to this pose as “standing up pretzel.” The pose is rather like tying yourself in a knot and holding on hard so you don’t fall over. So why even attempt it? Of course there are several good benefits! Coming out of the pose, you find it’s not just your body that feels untangled but your mind and spirit as well.
Physically, the hips are stretched, as well as the thighs, shoulders and upper back. The calf and ankle of the standing leg are strengthened. Balance is improved. And this pose has been research proven to help alleviate sciatica and rheumatism.
Stimulating the immune system is a wonderful holistic benefit of Eagle Pose. When the legs and arms are crossed and squeezed together to help maintain balance, the blood flow is constricted much like the pressure received during a massage. The massaging action helps stimulate and release the flow of fresh blood. Good circulation is key for building up the immune systems.
A sedentary lifestyle yields poorer circulation, so practicing Eagle (or any yoga pose, as well as other physical activity), is a good start to a stronger immune system, which is especially important as we move into cold and flu season!
If you ever played Twister, remember falling and collapsing in a pile of laughter? Try to keep that same playful spirit as you practice this pose. Learning to fall out of a balance pose is a good life lesson to how we react to all those things that knock us out of balance. When we react well, we get stronger. And strength yields flexibility—of the body, mind and soul.
Karen Watson Reeves was born and raised in Mount Holly and has called Hot Springs home since 2006. She became a registered yoga teacher in 2011 and has travelled Arkansas teaching her passion. She owns The Yoga Place, is on the Hot Springs YMCA teaching staff, is an adjunct instructor at National Park College, as well as teaching in several other fabulous venues. When not on the mat, Karen enjoys the beautiful outdoors of the National Park, especially from her bicycle.
