Did you know that September is National Yoga Month? Well, as my way to honor one of my favorite activities (and something that I often say has “saved my life” on numerous occasions, even if it’s more a mental save than a physical one), I have decided to spend the month focusing on yoga, my practice and some of the many asanas (poses) that make it up. I’ll be spending every Tuesday and Thursday for the month of September focusing on a different pose and it’s benefits. I hope you’ll join me!
Child’s Pose
When you think of child’s pose, it’s likely that you think of rest and with good reason. It’s the pose that we are often directed to take in practice when we need a break, whether that be a mental or a physical one; it’s that reminder to come back to our breath, our intention and the present moment.
Here are some of the amazing benefits of child’s pose:
- Calming for the mind, alleviates stress
- Supports Digestion
- Opens hips
- Lengthens the spine
- Releases tension in back, shoulders and chest
To get into child’s pose, you can get into a table top position, knees wide on your mat, tops of your feet face down, big toes touch, then reach your arms forward and sit back into your feet as you bring your forehead to touch the earth.
It’s the perfect connection to the earth and our surroundings. Taking rest in child’s pose isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather strength of mind and acknowledgement of what your body needs right now.
Personally, I find it hard to take child’s pose mid-class; it breaks me off from my flow and focus, so when given an option to hold another pose, I often do, but truthfully, sometimes what we really need is that break. Just the other week, I was in class and we started flowing a lot quicker than normal; the class was good but I hadn’t been feeling my best and when the instructor announced we’d be flowing through “one more time,” I knew it wasn’t in my best interest to do so. I took a small swallow to my pride, took my knees out wide, toes touching, and sat back. Even as everyone around me flowed and instruction after instruction was given, I sat in my child’s pose and focused on my intention and knowing I did what my body needed.
Within a few breaths, the instructor came over and lightly pressed on my back, a small adjustment to help me get deeper into the pose; I took it as her reassurance and acknowledgement that I had done good in taking what I needed.
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Do you take child’s pose in the middle of class when you need it?
What’s your favorite yoga pose?
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So glad I saw your post! I didn’t know it was National Yoga Month! I really want to get back into yoga — it’s been a while. I think I’ll use your post as motivation! Thanks!
Child’s pose is my favorite! ONe of the only moves I can do. 🙂
I didn’t know there was such a month but this is awesome! I love yoga, what a great pose!
Jessica recently posted…Ice Cream Float Bar
I am going to try to take more yoga this month! I need to find a good prenatal class!
Cool! I had no idea that it is National Yoga Month. Childs pose is my favorite because it just feels so good and makes me feel relaxed.
I had no idea it was National Yoga Month – I can’t wait to see the rest of your favorite poses!
Rebecca Bakofsky recently posted…Home Decor That Will Inspire
So excited for the beginning of September!! Fall, National Yoga Month, pumpkins…all my favorite things!
Jackie recently posted…Second Trimester
I had no idea it was yoga month. Childs pose is such a great one – my go-to when the poses get kind of crazy!
Rachel recently posted…How to Prepare for A Hurricane
That’s so cool! I didn’t know there was such a thing as yoga month! I just started getting back into it a few days ago. I don’t have a class I can go to, but I love the book Slim, Calm, Sexy Yoga. I’m trying to do a couple routines each day. I should remember to do the child’s pose at the end to cool down. I really like the warrior poses.
Megan Gonzalez recently posted…Back to the Basics: Rediscovering My Love of Blogging
I love child’s pose… It instantly makes me feel more relaxed and it’s great for stretching out a back problem I have.
Nellwyn recently posted…The Cost of Birth Control
I didn’t know it was national yoga month! That’s awesome I love yoga. I haven’t done it in so long but I need to start again. I also didn’t realize child’s pose was good for all those things. I’ll have to do this pose more often. Thanks for the awesome info 🙂
Melanie recently posted…My Top 10 Picks Of The Week
Great post!
Love this! Yoga is so wonderful. As a dancer, it really helps my balance, strength, and flexibility. It also helps me clear my mind. I love child’s pose to release tension in my back…where I hold all my stress.
Shann Eva recently posted…September Goals with an August Rewind
I love any of the twisting poses. It always helps my back to feel less out of whack and helps with any stomach/digestive pains i might have. Childs pose is always great–I like to take it mid-flow when i need an extra rest.
Heather @ Polyglot Jot recently posted…Monthly Must-Haves: August 2016
I had no idea it was yoga month! I took yoga for a few months at the beginning of the year with one of my girlfriends, then she got pregnant and we stopped going! It is definitely something I want to pick up again!
Ashley recently posted…Etsy Shop { Hula Girl Boutique }
Had no idea it was yoga month! It’s one of those things i’ve always wanted to try but never have, I’ll give it a try this month though!
I had no idea but I like it and I like the fact that you will be focusing on yoga throughout the month! Looking forward to learning from you!
I try not to take them during class unless I just HAVE to I’m like you it breaks up my flow and my groove 🙂 though I do find myself going into child’s pose during the day while I’m on the floor playing with my kids, releases all thestress and tension!
sarah@creatingbettertomorrow recently posted…Strong Core Workout
I did not know there was a such month, but it’s the perfect month to have heading into Fall!
Rachel @ RachelMcMichael.com recently posted…Success In Your 20’s: I wish I had this when I was feeling lost in my business!