Yoga Poses by Lilia Wills
I challenge you to Bliss filled Chaturanga Challenge! Low Plank or Four-Limbed Staff Pose or Chaturanga Dandasana--Strengthen arms core and legs; increase focus and confidence, basically practice & more practice while linking your mindful breath with movement.
Eagle Pose--Garudhasana. It is a standing balancing posture that balances the right side of the brain with the left; strengthens the standing leg; releases tight shoulders; increases physical flexibility and mental focus. Practice and all is coming.
Mountain Pose/ Tadasana-- in this variation arms are extended upwards instead of the hips, it opens the heart, feeling the snowflakes on my face. This pose helps one feel rooted and focused; it is the basis of all standing postures. Practice it anytime and anywhere not only on the yoga mat.
Levitating One Legged Chair Pose -- this variation of chair posture offers a strengthening opportunity for the entire core muscles and arms, while opening the hip of the crossed leg, and releasing tightness in the IT band; it increases mental and physical focus. Practice this pose on the yoga mat and on solid ground, starting in a standard chair, then adding the hip release & opener on each side of the body. Have fun while practicing.
Playful Handstand (the legs are transitioning onto Eagle). When you want a change in perspective, no matter where you are, or what season just play with inversions and a quick change of perspective is possible! I must say it was a gorgeous snow fall (our last one hopefully--we are done with winter).
Warrior 1 - sunshine on the chest, knowing winter will be over soon! All the warrior postures standing poses challenge and strengthen, increasing endurance and stamina, lengthen the hamstrings, release tightness in the chest and heart area. Practice this pose anywhere you have a few moments and the space to step into the pose, focus on mindful breathing and being present. Repeat on both sides of the body.
Mountain Pose/Tadasana with hands in heart shaped Mudra, while sending love, inner peace and always full of gratitude for every yogi.
Half Forward Fold, in Sanskrit Ardha Uttanasana - is a transitional posture from Mountain pose to Forward Fold to Half Forward Fold to Lunge or Plank during the practice of San Salutations OR the pose can be practiced as a separate posture to stretch the spine and lengthen the hamstrings while engaging the core muscles. It leaves the body feeling lengthier and stronger. Practice this posture often; keep your spine flexible and you'll feel young! Snowga in the backyard photographed by Charles Wills.
Chair Pose variation or Utkatasana is one of my favorites. All the variations are great, especially this one, it requires concentration balancing on one leg, squaring the hips for proper alignment in the body, opening the hip of the leg that is across, breathing deeply, focusing on a non moving spot/drishti-- all important elements of this pose. Practice on both sides; enjoy the increased strength and stamina as well as the inner calm.
Warrior one with hands in reverse Namaste/prayer. It is a powerful standing posture that strengthens the legs, lengthens the hamstrings, increases focus, opens the chest and heart area/muscles. Snoga/snow yoga in the backyard; photo taken yesterday, on a sunny day after the snowstorm in February in Connecticut, by Charles Wills.
Warrior I, Virabhadrasana Pose is the most known standing posture of all the Warriors. It's for all yoga practitioners who struggle against the universal enemy, self ignorance and our ego as the ultimate contributors of our suffering. In this picture, I am reaching towards the sun, lifting the heart and opening the chest; breathing deeply taking in fresh new beginnings while exhaling all that does not serve us in any way. Enjoy the practice of this pose alone or as part of a full strengthening sequence. Modified version: dropping the back knee down & softening through the elbows. Snoga/snow yoga in the backyard; photo taken yesterday, on a sunny day after a snowstorm in February in Connecticut, by Charles Wills.
Yoga Poses by Lilia Wills
Triangle Pose / Trikonasana in the snow. There is something special practicing yoga outdoors; although, I prefer yoga on the beach, it is winter in Connecticut, so yoga in the snow can also be fun, even breathtaking. In this pose, the body creates a series of triangles, which opens the chest/heart area as well as hips. Increases mental & physical focus and stamina. It lengthens tight muscles; releases tension in the entire body. Practice this pose often; enjoy all the enormous health benefits of this posture. Hold pose for at least 7-9 mindful breaths on each side of the body, while holding the gaze/Drishti upwards/skywards or towards the upper fingertips. Enjoy!
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