Yoga BLOG

Samasthiti: Prayer in upright posture Simply standing up straight? For many who are new to yoga or are just beginning to practice, it's difficult at first to understand that Samasthiti, the upright posture, is actually an asana. Yet it's one of the most important postures of all. Known as a prayer posture or mindful posture in yoga, the upright posture is linked to both external and internal balance . The upright posture roots you to the earth while simultaneously aligning you upward, toward the highest. Here you'll learn what's important about Samasthiti and what effects this asana is associated with. Standing upright: important in all cultures and medical disciplines The value of a conscious and upright posture is undisputed throughout the world. In conventional medicine, an upright posture is an important factor for the health of the spine, powerful muscles, and the function of many internal organs. In psychology, a person's posture alone says a lot about their mental state, and in the Chinese healing tradition, the meridians only flow when the body is allowed to maintain an upright, unblocked posture. Even if you look at a diagram of the shakas of the human body in their natural arrangement, you will notice that they are aligned straight one above the other, like pearls on a string. Good reasons, therefore, to devote yourself to an upright posture in yoga and to weave samasthiti into your regular practice. Samasthiti: keeping an upright posture in mind What does Samasthiti actually look like when the posture is correct? The beginning of everything is being firmly rooted in the earth, which always supports you and where your roots lie. Stand with your feet together on the ground and become aware of this rootedness. It gives you security and is your rock when things get hectic and turbulent around you. You intensify your stance by briefly lifting your toes off the surface, fanning them out, and then grounding them back to the ground. Stand upright and feel as if the crown of your head is reaching for the highest, your constant protection. This will bring length to your entire body, which achieves what we strive for in Samasthiti: everything is in flow. This will allow you to experience balance that extends not only to your external posture, but also to your inner self and, of course, your breath . Attention: don’t tense up! Many yoga students make the mistake of trying to focus on all their limbs at once when beginning their Samasthiti practice, thus placing too much tension into this pose. This is understandable, as standing upright is a posture that essentially encompasses the entire body. However, you can also approach Samasthiti with a certain serenity. There are a few factors you can consider to avoid tension. This is closely linked to your mindfulness of your body. First, it's important that you don't fully lock your knees, but maintain a relaxed stance. This also applies to the extension of your spine, which should still allow its natural curves, as it acts as a cushion and thus acts as an important buffer in your body. If you also tilt your chin toward your chest in a subtle, almost imperceptible movement in Samasthiti, you also ensure a relaxed neck. It's also important to pay attention to your facial features. Is your jaw relaxed and are your eyes soft? Be in balance Samasthiti is a posture that brings you a connection with the earth and the highest being, and thus a calming feeling and the security of being safe and protected. So, try this conscious yoga posture soon. It's worth it! Image © familylifestyle / 123rf.com

The prayer posture (Anjali Mudra) The prayer pose "Anjali Mudra" is a very beautiful and graceful yoga exercise. It is easy to perform and can bring deep relaxation to the body and mind. Holy gesture with healing effect Even if you're new to yoga, you've probably encountered the hand gesture "Anjali Mudra," in which the hands are placed together in front of the heart. For Western yoga practitioners, the gesture may initially seem a bit strange because it's quickly associated with faith. However, the prayer position is much more than just a sacred gesture: It's used in Hinduism as a greeting ritual and is often combined with the greeting "Namaste," which translates beautifully as "the light that dwells within me greets the light within you." Literally translated, Anjali means "gift," and Mudra means "sign." The prayer posture unites opposites, such as the left and right hands, and, metaphorically, the two hemispheres of the brain. It's no coincidence that the hands are brought together in front of the heart, especially since this is where the energy of love, balance, and purity can best work. The goal of the prayer posture is to experience oneself holistically, to recognize the light, and to feel a loving connection with all living beings. The execution of the prayer posture is simple but effective Anjali Mudra is easy to perform and precisely for that reason so powerful. It's best to assume a comfortable sitting position, then place your palms loosely together and slowly bring them to your heart. As you do so, you'll feel the energy flowing and gradually become more at peace. If you wish, you can raise your hands to your forehead, thus creating a connection between your body (hands) and mind (forehead). Calm and composure set in The prayer position is about finding peace. It is therefore a wonderful remedy for stress and hecticness. The clasped hands signal inactivity to the body – our hands are literally tied; they can no longer restlessly type, grasp, and feel. The restlessness that may be troubling you because of your job or your personal situation disappears. This slowing down also has a positive effect on your mind, as it can finally free itself from the annoying carousel of thoughts. However, the prayer position is not simply a position of rest. Rather, an energy flows between the hands, which many people clearly feel. You can close the energy circle by slowly bringing your hands together, thus forming a physical unit. Anjali Mudra - Conclusion The simplest yoga postures are often the most powerful. It doesn't matter what denomination you belong to or whether you're even religious. It serves to create an energy circle with the feeling of arrival in life. Anjali Mudra has a meditative quality and allows you to forget your everyday worries for a moment. It can also be a source of inspiration when problems arise or when you're looking for solutions. To do this, place your hands in front of your forehead to tap into the physical and mental energy circle. Overall, the prayer posture is not just a friendly and loving gesture, but a mental journey of relaxation into your own body. The prayer posture can be practiced several times a day and is always beneficial when you feel particularly stressed or are looking for a way out. There's no time limit – stay in this powerful posture until you feel like you're being filled with new energy. Image © dolgachov / 123rf.com