Thank you for going on this deep dive of yoga poses over the last few months with me. This time, I wanted to take a look at a somewhat uncomfortable but deeply rewarding pose, half happy baby. Sometimes called, ‘Half dead bug,’ I tend to hold this pose for seconds before wanting to move on to something more relaxing and rejuvenating. It’s very hard to clear your mind when you are holding a pose that makes you think, ‘How much longer is this going to last?’ This month, I want to learn to find a relaxed state while being uncomfortable. The pose has many benefits, like stretching the shoulder and opening the hips. I just want to find a place within the pose to release. Join me in practicing this pose on its’ own or as a part of a Let It Go Yoga sequence. It’s the perfect release to make time for during a busy season of your life. You just may find that yourself coming back to it for longer and longer amounts of time!
HALF JOYFUL BABY:
ARDHA ANANDA BALASANA
Directions:
Full inhale, and on the exhale grasp the outside edge of your right foot with your hand (keeping your elbow on the inside of your knee) turning the sole of your foot towards the ceiling. Keep the left leg out straight with the toes flexed. Press the tailbone towards the floor and open the right foot as far as possible. Hold for 2 minutes. Add resistance by pressing the foot toward the ceiling on the inhale and releasing the knee more towards the floor on the exhale. Release. Repeat on the left side.
Variations: You might like using a strap around the foot to hold on. Adjust the strap as needed. Another variation is to bend the straight leg. It will make it easier and allow you to receive the hip stretch.
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