Take Action

Have you ever been in a situation where you have an idea, thought, or desire to do something? Perhaps you're wanting to go on a nice vacation with your family. Or you feel motivated to do something....like start going to the gym. Or you tell yourself that you're going to TRY to stop smoking. All of these are good intentions, but have you moved forward or taken action with any of these plans? Perhaps today is the day to take that step.

The focus on your home yoga practice will be on Boat Pose (Navasana). This is a typical core strengthening posture, but it also gives energy, power, and focus to the third Chakra: The Solar Plexis. This center of energy is about taking action; putting our plans into motion.

As mentioned in the previous blog entry, create an intention before your yoga practice. Stay focused on that intention while you practice and perhaps throughout the day so that it will manifest into reality.

Perhaps you DO want to take a family vacation, start going to the gym, or quit smoking. Set your intention and begin your practice.

Sit on the floor. (If you have issues with your low back or tailbone, you may want to sit on a cushion or blanket for extra padding.) With bent knees, raise your feet off the floor. Hold onto the back of your knees with your hands. Use this posture as a way to lift yourself up so that you have an extended spine. You want to have a straight back in this pose. You will form a V-shape with your body (even though the knees are bent.) Also, lift your head slightly, so that you are looking up at the upper half of your room rather than having your chin tucked down into your neck. The shins are parallel with the floor and flex your feet to keep your legs fully engaged and active.

The focus of this pose is in your abdominals so mindful breathing will be key here to stimulate this area of your body. Inhale to fill your lungs with air. At the same time, lengthen your spine even more. When you exhale, be sure to keep the extended spine, AND draw your belly button in toward your spine to engage your abdominal muscles. Repeat the breathing effort and maintain the pose for at least 10 breaths. If you are able, release your legs and extend your arms outward. Maintain the strength and stability of the pose. After your tenth breath, relax the body and bring your feet back to the floor. Allow your core muscles to relax for a couple of breaths. If you desire, repeat the pose two more times.

As you hold your strength building posture, bring your intention to mind. While in this pose, you are drawing energy to your third chakra. By raising this energy, you are charging this energy center so that you can move forward, take action with your desired idea. Not only will you experience the manifestation of your objection, but you'll get a nice set of abs, too!

Tell us about your experience in Boat Pose.

Namaste.