Simple Steps: #14 The Warrior

It is said that the physical practice of yoga offers a fertile field for the evolution of the Spirit such that "this down-to-earth, flesh and bones practice is simply one of the most direct and expedient ways to meet yourself, for this limb of yoga reattaches us to our body."



The descriptive copy for this Warrior pose is adapted from Yoga Journal with variations and my own simple step at the end.

Start in Downward-Facing Dog (Simple Step #12). Exhale and step your right foot forward between your hands, aligning your knee over the heel. Keep your left leg strong and firm.

Inhale and raise your torso to upright. At the same time, sweep your arms wide to the sides and raise them overhead, palms facing.

Be careful not to over-arch the lower back. Lengthen your tailbone toward the floor and reach back through your left heel. This will bring the shoulder blades deeper into the back and help support your chest. Look up toward your thumbs.

Be sure not to press the front ribs forward. Draw them down and into the torso. Lift the arms from the lower back ribs, reaching through your little fingers. Hold for 30 seconds to a minute.

Then exhale, release the torso to the right thigh, sweep your hands back onto the floor, and, with another exhale, step your right foot back and return to Down Dog. Hold for a few breaths and repeat with the left foot forward for the same length of time.

Todays Simple Step

Face it - we are all Warriors.

In the best sense of the Warrior Spirit, each of us engages a daily flow of options and opportunities to create a life of meaning.

We seek to overcome our own laziness, to shine light into the darkness, to motivate our stuck places, and to serve the World leaving something of substance for the generations to follow.

However this is for you, acknowledge your Warrior!

He or she is aching to succeed!

Practice this pose and it's variations with your success in mind as well as in your body and your breath.

This is today's simple step.

Till next time...
oooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmm

Photo credits: GCA by Bob Alba