Child’s Pose
“Not sure who needs to hear this right now but just remember child’s pose is available at anytime.”
balasana | child’s pose
This pose is pretty ubiquitous in yoga practice. It can be called at the beginning of a class - no matter how powerful the subsequent flow will be. It can be called in the middle of a class - a chance to catch your breath. But here’s the deal…it’s available to you at any time.
The pose is a magical sort of anchor. It can serve to ground you where you are to help remind you who you are. You don’t have to be a yogi to do it and you can do it anywhere and anytime you need it. All you need is your body and a little space on the ground.
If you need to release anxious feelings or recharge your body - take just a few moments and sink into child’s. With your eyes closed, you can really focus your attention on your breath which is affected by the compression of your body against itself. With your forehead down, you can connect your third eye - the place of your knowing - with the earth. Child’s Pose can be a place to block everything out except your attention on you.
Options:
Restorative
Come to the floor with your knees together. Round your back and gently rest your forehead (third eye) on the floor. Relax your shoulders and bring your arms long at your sides with palms facing up. You can hold this position for as long as you need. Maybe you can relax to the point of not knowing how long you were there!
Active
Come to the floor with your knees wide apart and your biggest toes kissing. Stretch your body forward between your legs and bring your arms out in front of you with your palms facing down. Press into your palms lifting your elbows up, or rest your arms down with fingers spread wide on the floor. You can hold this position for as long as it feels therapeutic and free from discomfort. 5 minutes is probably enough.
Active + Stretching
From your active child’s pose, walk your your hands over to the right, then the left, receiving an additional stretch along your side body. Hold 30-60 seconds per side.
When you are ready to release the pose, roll up slowly and mindfully. Consider lingering in a moment in a kneeling (Japanese style) posture with your gaze soft. Check in and see the subtle changes you have created in your mind, body + spirit.
Namaste.