My Favorite Yoga Pose: The Lord of the Dance

I love yoga. It provides me a way to relax and get a good work out in the process. My all time favorite pose is the Lord of the Dance, also known as Natarajasana. It can be very difficult at first, but I have found that this pose has not only drastically improved my balance, but also stretches nearly every part of my body, making me more limber over time.

Before we start:

The Mountain Pose is the starting pose for all upright yoga poses, as it is with the Lord of Dance, so it is a good idea to learn it before we learn my favorite pose.

1. Stand with your feet parallel, close enough so the balls of your feet are touching while your heels are still separated.

2. Lengthen your body, straightening your back while lifting your chest toward the ceiling.

3. Hang your arms to your sides with your palms facing outward. Relax and breathe in and out.

The Mountain may be the starting pose for many yoga poses, but it also improves your posture, firming your buttocks and abdomen, and reducing flat feet. So if you wish to practice it on its own, hold it for thirty seconds to one minute and breathe in and out deeply.

Step by Step:

1. Stand with your body straight, evenly balanced. As you inhale, shift weight to right foot.

2. Bend your left knee so your foot is close to your rear and grab the outside of your foot.

3. As you lift your foot up, press your tailbone downward, toward the floor.

4. If you are a beginner and need help retaining your balance, you can place your free hand against a wall to steady yourself. If your balance is adequate, extend your arm parallel to the floor and reach forward, extending your fingers as far as possible and making your body more parallel to the ground.

5. Hold the pose for thirty seconds, inhaling and exhaling slowly (Always remember to breathe!!!)

6. Lower your right leg so that your foot is equal to the height of your rear again, then release your foot and place it back on the ground. Lower your arm and return to standing in the starting pose.

7. Repeat the same pose using the other side of your body.

The Lord of Dance pose gets easier as you do it and it leaves you feeling loose and relaxed.