Practice Grounding Anywhere with Mountain Pose

When you ask someone why they don’t move regularly the answers tend to include, “I don’t have time.” If this sounds familiar, we have great news for you. One simple way to do yoga on-the-go and practice grounding is by doing Mountain Pose or Tadasana (tada: mountain).

Apart from Corpse Pose or Savasana (sava: corpse), it's probably one of the most body-, age-, and beginner-friendly yoga poses. Its simplicity means that you can do it anytime, anywhere, without requiring props or a warm-up.

It may look easy but the longer you hold this asana, the more it may challenge your balance and stability. If you’re experiencing this, focus on tracing the alignment of your body. Start from the crown of your head, down to your spine, pelvis, legs, and end at your feet. Feel your base firmly planted on the ground and try to visualize yourself as a strong mountain, rising from the Earth and impervious to whatever life throws at you. (Check out Yoga For Grounding)

This asana may improve your posture by increasing your awareness of the connection among different parts of your body. Remember this whenever you find yourself slouching!

Part of what makes it such a good asana for mental clarity is that it encourages you to fix your gaze, or   drishti, on a point in the distance without engaging your optic nerve. Instead of a laser-focused gaze, soften your eyes and be aware of your peripheral vision. In doing so, you relax your facial muscles while maintaining a healthy degree of concentration.

Although the classic version of this pose requires the practitioner to stand with their legs together, some bodies may find that opening their feet hip-width apart is more comfortable. If you tend to hyperextend your legs, bend the knees just a little bit. Watch out for excessive curvature in your lower back by tucking your tailbone without clenching your glutes.

Once you’ve arrived at your own version of this pose, enjoy it. Let your body and mind translate its effects into a sense of calm, empowerment or stability.

By Aimeé Durán Triujeque; All Rights Reserved @2022