Unlock Your Inner Power with Natarajasana
The first time I saw a person in Natarajasana or Lord of the Dance Pose was my memory. Their figure was an image of noble power, an ideal union of hard work and comfort. I would never do that, I said to myself. I was too tight in my body, and too jerky in my balance.
But I was wrong. Natarajasana was not a conquest, it was the discovery of oneself. This is how I want to tell you how this gorgeous asana became a pillar of my practice and it will transform your practice as well. This is not about your foot to your head but about discovering a better relationship between the body, mind and spirit.
What is Natarajasana? More Than Just a Pretty Pose
Natarajasana is a backbending and a standing yoga pose which is in the shape of Nataraja, the Hindu god Shiva as the cosmic dancer. He is the rhythmic, active movement of the universe-creation and destruction, birth and death, a whole of it is in the form of a graceful dance. When I reach this pose, it is not only the quads that I stretch; I am also reaching that universal power.
It is a strong wakeup call that life is about giving or taking. In my case, this philosophical scope is what makes Natarajasana more than a physical pose. It’s a moving meditation.
Reasons why you need to do Natarajasana: The Life-changing benefits.
The advantages of this pose are beyond the yoga mat. I have personally felt them, and they make me go back to my practice day in, day out.
Intensive Body Opening: Natarajasana offers an unbelievable tightness of my whole front body. It stretches my shoulders, chest, and hip flexors that tighten during the day by sitting. Above all, it provides my quadriceps with a profound, focused stretch, something that relieves the tension that I often did not realize I was having.
Still Core and Leg Strength: This is a difficult pose to hold. My stationary leg serves as a source of strength, my spine helps to support the balance, and the back muscles contract to support the gentle backbend. With each attempt, I become stronger and more grounded.
Better Balance and Poise: This was the most significant game-changer on my part. Natarajasana taught me to integrate both my mind and body. It takes immeasurable concentration, and I have to train my brain to turn off distractions and get one point of concentration (drishti). This brain clarity and physical steadiness break down easily into my life.
Certain Confidence and Heart Opening: An indisputable emotional release of this heart-opening position. I felt a tingling feeling of pure joy and self-assurance the first time that I was able to hold Natarajasana without falling. It taught me that I should not be afraid, I should be vulnerable, and stand in strength when I am alone.
My Step-by-Step Guide to Natarajasana.
Don’t be intimidated. I began with shaky legs, and you may. Promote my travel-friendly style.
Start with Tadasana (Mountain Pose): When I am ready to begin, I always stand on my feet, straight, and do a deep breathing as a way of settling down.
Shift Your Weight and Bend One Knee: I place my weight on the left foot. Then, I also bend my right knee, and my right hand extends backwards to take hold of the inside of my right foot or ankle.
Kick and Hinge Forward: The secret sauce. My right foot is actively thrust into my hand and kicked backwards and up. At the same time, I bend forward on my hip without shortening the torso. The hinge and the kick provide a balance that ensures that I am not going to fall.
Extend and Elevate: When I am stable, I extend my left arm in a forward movement parallel with the floor. I have a weak stare directed to an inanimate object in front of me. I wait here, and take my breath, a few breaths.
Release with Control: To get out, free-step by slowly releasing my foot, get it down with control and come back to Tadasana. I will always pause to experience the impact before I do it on the other hand.
The Myths I Made, and You Shouldn’t.
It was important that I learn through my mistakes. Here’s what to watch out for:
Lower Back Crunching: I would assume that the back bend was an extension of my spine. I was wrong. This type of lifting is achieved by kicking your foot into your hand and with the help of your core. Never think back and down, but up and out.
Collapsing the Standing Hip: You can easily stick your hip out in one of the legs in which you are standing. I aim at maintaining that hip square and strong with the involvement of the glute to cushion my lower back.
Holding Your Breath: The greatest hurdle I had was this. As soon as I felt wobbly, I would cease breathing. I anchor now on my Ujjayi breath. The constant sound helps me to stay calm and concentrated.
My Best Advice in Your Natarajasrama.
Strap: when you cannot reach your foot, your best friend is a strap. It fills in the space without filling in your figure.
Practice Against a wall: I practiced against a wall spending weeks. It helped me attain the courage to experiment with the pose without the fear of falling backwards.
Be Patient and Kind to Yourself: Sometimes my Natarajasana seems to be floating up into the sky; sometimes it is a shaky disaster. I’ve learned to accept both. The practice is the prize.
Developmental Psychology questions and answers
Q: I’m a beginner. Can I really do Natarajasana?
A: Absolutely! Begin with the preparation measures. You can always do it by simply sitting on your foot without stretching forward. Use a wall for support. Everyone starts somewhere.
Q: I have a knee injury. Is this pose safe for me?
A: When using a knee or shoulder injury, both current and existing, in the standing leg or the arm used to hold the foot, then please see a doctor or a yoga teacher with experience before trying Natarajasana.
Q: Why do I keep falling over?
A: This is completely normal! Part of the process involves falling. It normally indicates that you are failing to locate the counterbalance between the kick back and the hinge forward. Hone on that active motion, and depend on the wall to support you till you gain strength.