Daily Dharma: Aerial Chair Pose - Utkatasana
Utkatasana, chair pose, means "powerful" or "fierce" and while this pose calls for a fiery power in the body it is best practiced with a cool mind. If you notice that you crunch your brow or clench your jaw try to relax them. If you notice you are holding your breath or your breathing turns into panting mindfully try to lengthen your inhalations and exhalations. This will allow you to feel cooler and more focused as your body eases into the pose more comfortably.
Benefits - Utkatasana strengthens thighs, stabilizes knees, arms and shoulders. It allows your body to become more flexible and powerful and improves your posture. As arms are reached above your head your ribs get a wonderful stretch increasing your breathing capacity.
Mindfully Adjust - All of our bodies are different. Minor adjustments can help each persons uniquely beautiful body ease into a pose more naturally. Chair pose is usually practiced with feet together awakening the inner thigh muscles, however, if you are feeling a bit shaky try stepping your feet hip-width apart. Arms are often held straight above the head requiring a great deal of stamina; if you are feeling winded try moving your arms straight out in front of you or down at your sides. If having your arms down at your sides feels right to you remember to still keep them active feeling the flow of energy from your finger tips to the earth ground you.
Come feel the benefits of practicing this pose in the Aerial Yoga hammocks!
