The month of October I have been having great fun playing with this pose in classes. I have found over the years that instead of sharing my love for standing balance asanas many have instead found great frustration. I can understand this. At first, it takes great focus and determination. But it doesn't have to be difficult.
In exploring poses like this, I found that taking the focus off of the physical body and into the energetic body, a shift begins to happen. I often teach the "opposition of force", meaning if you direct energy one way you must do the same in the opposite direction. Great steadiness and balance can then occur while allowing the muscle/skeleton body to become quite efficient. It has never been about "muscling". By this I can mean many different things. Have you ever tried to force a child to do something that they don't want to do? Yeah, it never works out well. There has to be an equal understanding of what you want and what they want.
So keeping with this thought, if you can direct energy through your standing leg to root deeply through your standing foot, at the same time as directing energy out the crown of your head, you not only get a sense of grounding but lightness. From here the adventure and exploration can really begin. Freedom found. Ease and a sense of relief from something that for many was dreaded. Have fun!
UTTHITA HASTA PADANGUSTHASANA - Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose
Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana is an asymmetrical standing balance that asks the yogi to
find patience, strength and fortitude. This pose will help develop confidence, balance and
coordination.
STEP BY STEP
Find a deep rooting in standing foot to lengthen standing leg. Hips should remain even and
spine should be lengthened. Heart remains open and shoulders relaxed. Breath should be calm
and steady.
MODIFICATIONS
If hamstrings or lower back are tight, don’t compromise the structure or your breath to force a
straight leg. Instead, bend the raised leg or use a strap around the foot.
VARIATIONS
• If appropriate, instead of holding big toe with index and middle finger, hold foot in hand
while keeping heart open and spine erect.
• Parsva Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana - Opening leg to the side of body, making sure hips
remain even.
find patience, strength and fortitude. This pose will help develop confidence, balance and
coordination.
STEP BY STEP
Find a deep rooting in standing foot to lengthen standing leg. Hips should remain even and
spine should be lengthened. Heart remains open and shoulders relaxed. Breath should be calm
and steady.
MODIFICATIONS
If hamstrings or lower back are tight, don’t compromise the structure or your breath to force a
straight leg. Instead, bend the raised leg or use a strap around the foot.
VARIATIONS
• If appropriate, instead of holding big toe with index and middle finger, hold foot in hand
while keeping heart open and spine erect.
• Parsva Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana - Opening leg to the side of body, making sure hips
remain even.
