Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana (par-ee-tah JAH-new-shear-SHAHS-anna) or Revolved Head to Knee Pose is a very intense posture to stretch the whole side of the body. It is classified as an intermediate twist because it requires a slightly more flexible body. But don't let that discourage you, the benefits of practicing this pose can be huge.
The leg that is outstretched should be flexed and this allows for the stretch to include calfs and hamstrings. The turned in leg will get these benefits as well, not to mention the extra stretch for the groin and hips. Shoulders, chest, and lateral back muscles and abs (latissimus dorsi, internal obliques, spinal extensors) as well as glutes are all working, making this one of the most comprehensive postures for toning. Keep both sit bones on the floor and ground down as you breathe. Drishti: up.
Variation: If the stretch to the foot is too far for you, just bring your arm to the inside of the outstretched leg with the palm facing up (right arm for right leg), and the opposite arm can bend, and the hand can be by the ear. Work on pointing that elbow to the sky and looking up and back to the elbow.
Gita Verse:
Chapter 5 verse 10
Sri Krishna:
Those who surrender to Brahman all selfish attachments are like the leaf of the lotus floating clean and dry in water. Sin can not touch them.
The title of this chapter is Renounce and Rejoice, and I think that says it all. A person who holds on to things, people and even ideas and fixed ways of being can never be enlightened. It is in the completle absolution of all our attachements that we can truly be free. Holding on to things keeps us here, and we can never move on when we are bogged down my grudges and selfish actions.
Namaste
No comments:
Post a Comment