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The Warrior Poses - Virabhadra
 This group of poses is named after the mythic warrior-sage, Virabhadra. This challenging pose strengthens the entire body while improving mental capacity and self control. It builds, shapes and tones the entire lower body. It tones the abdominal section and helps to prevent, reduce and eliminate back pain. The entire upper body -front and back- is worked and doing this pose increases the capacity of the respiratory system.
Virabhadra’s Pose is also known as the Warrior Pose (there are three main variations of Warrior.) It may seem strange to name a yoga pose after a warrior; after all, aren’t yogis known for they’re non-violent ways? But remember that one of the most revered of all the yoga texts, the Bhagavad-Gita, is the dialog between two famous and feared warriors, Krishna and Arjuna, set on a battlefield between two great armies spoiling for a fight. What’s really being commemorated in this pose’s name, and held up as an ideal for all practitioners, is the “spiritual warrior,” who bravely does battle with the universal enemy, self-ignorance (avidya), the ultimate source of all our suffering.
For this months focus, take a look at Warrior 1, Warrior 2, and Warrior 3. Yoga Journal offers us step by step instructions as well as commentary.
Warrior 1
Warrior 2
Warrior 3
Warrior 3 offers us strength and balance both mentally and physically. Consistent practice strengthens the deep core muscles of the abdomen, spine and pelvic floor. The legs and upper body will also be toned. Practicing will also tone the shoulders and muscles of the back and abdominal wall. By strengthening these muscles, balance and posture improves. These poses also develop the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for controlling the body when in motion, thereby enhancing coordination, resulting in more efficient energy usage, increased grace and feeling more stable, physically and emotionally. While practicing, try to keep the back of the neck long, gaze at the at a steady spot on the floor in front, relaxing shoulders away from the ears, to keep the upper body aligned and comfortable.
Our Previous Monthly Focuses
Relax and Renew
Gods and Goddesses
Meditation
Agni (Fire)
The Yamas
Bakasana
Chaturanga
Bhandas
Saucha
Backbends
Inversions
Chanting
Meditation
Compassion
Impermanance
Chakras
Blissful Hips
Sun Salutations
Warrior Poses |
