Sleep Tight Yoganidrasana (Yogic Sleep Pose) can look a bit extreme at first. But once youre able to get into the pose safely, youll find that the experience is anything but uncomfortable. In fact, the shape of Yoganidrasana—a deep forward bend with the limbs drawn in close to the torso—stimulates pratyahara, or the deep state of peaceful relaxation that comes from withdrawing the senses. If youre up for the challenge of an advanced pose, start by lying on your back. Inhale as you bring both legs over your head. Exhale as you bend your legs and place both knees underneath your shoulders. Breathe steadily as you take hold of the left foot with both hands, lift your head, and place the left leg behind your neck. Work it down behind your neck, toward the back of your right shoulder. Now take the right foot with both hands and bring it behind your neck and over the top of your left foot. Point your toes. Pull the feet away from each other to spread them so that they form a pillow for the head. Reach both arms behind your back and clasp your fingers together. Lift your chest up between your legs as you rest your head on your feet. Look up and breathe smoothly and deeply for 20 to 30 breaths. If you feel calm, enjoy this state for as long as you like. To come out, release the hands first, then the feet. Rest on your back for five breaths and then repeat the pose by taking the right leg behind the back first, and then the left leg. If youre not quite ready for Yoganidrasana yet, you can get many of the same benefits from milder hip openers, such as Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose).
Posted on: Mon, 19 May 2014 02:31:48 +0000
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