Yoga and college have a few things in common. College is intended to harness our tremendous potential to change the world, and yoga provides the tools that teach us how to engage in the world with impact. It encourages us to focus on what we learn, broaden our horizons and find new understandings. The best part about yoga is that anyone can do it—even beginners. Give these yoga poses a try in your dorm room, a yoga class or anywhere else you find some zen.
Meditation pose
The meditation pose makes a great way to start your yoga session. Using meditation as a gateway to your heart, along with taking deep breaths, can be a great way to create space in your life. Take a comfortable seat, and make sure your hips are higher than your knees. Start listening to your breath. Inhale then exhale as you focus more on the cycle of your breath. You’ll find that you’re calmer and your energy levels are restored.
The Warrior Pose: stand strong and be courageous
The warrior pose increases flexibility in the hips and strengthens the legs, ankles and feet. In this pose, we get a twist for the spine and the opening of the shoulders. This pose is intended to strengthen your foundation by demanding involvement from every body part. As in life, without a steady foundation, you will never be able to extend to reach your maximum. This is an excellent pose to restore a feeling of power and confidence. Try this pose, and ooze with self-confidence.
The Wheel Pose: Finding your Passion for Life
The wheel pose is one of the best ways to stretch your body and open the chest. Spiritually, extending backwards into the unknown helps you confront your fears. Engage all your muscles in this one move, and give your spine the maximum stretch it needs. This pose leaves you feeling ready to take on the world with refreshed energy and strength.
Mountain Pose
The mountain pose is just a basic standing position that helps with posture. If you choose to continue to practice yoga, mastering this pose serves as the foundation of all standing poses. It helps with stability and strength. Since the foundation of a tree is its roots, this yoga pose emphasizes the importance of engaging your feet. Lift and spread your toes to engage your shins, firm your thigh muscles, and lift the kneecaps. Slowly and deeply inhale and bring your arms above your head, then exhale and release.
Cobra Pose
Perhaps one of the most well-known yoga poses is the cobra pose. Slide forward on your belly, placing your hands on the ground by the sides of your chest. Keep your elbows bent. Elongate your tailbone toward your heels. Meditate on an aspect of your life you’d like to devote more of yourself to. A couple of minutes in this position will stretch your upper muscles, decrease the stiffness of your lower back, increase your flexibility and relieve your stress.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Current staff
