Yoga

Stress. And a hint of fun. College life is stressful at times, and in high school I experienced this as well. I took a Yoga course my senior year and found that it was much more rewarding than I expected. It was a nice break from the daily routine I went through of work, study, eat, sleep. One of my favorite poses, Marichyasana B, is a bit challenging, but none the less relaxing. It's worth a try (or a least a break from anyone's daily routine).

Sanskrit name: Marichyasana B
English Translation: Maricha Posture B
Meaning: Marichi-the name of a sage, the son of Brahma (the creator), Asana-pose

MARICHYASANA B -

1. To begin this asana, you mus first Exhale. This allows you to bring the left foot in half lotus over the right thigh. Once you have achieve this position and can relax for a moment, then bend your right leg up and place the right foot flat on the floor, and bring you right heel as close to the buttocks as you can. Next you raise your right arm up and around the right bend leg, grabbing the left hand or wrist.
2. Inhale before continuing. Look up to the horizon while keeping your grip. Lengthen your spine.
3. Exhale and bend forward. Remain in this position for 5 long, deep breaths. forward.

4. Inhale. Look half the up to the horizon. Lengthen your spine.
5. Exhale and release leg. Vinyasa.

Benefits of Marichyasana B:

• This asana helps to calm the brain and stretch the spine and shoulders.
• It also stimulates the abdominal organs, including the liver and kidneys.
• It can improve digestions, flatulence and constipation.
  

My awareness: This pose was initially more difficult than it first appeared to me. I had trouble getting into the half lotus pose and holding my foot on my inner thigh while the other leg was bent up. But although my ankle was sore in the beginning, I began to readjust to get into the asana. Finally, after practicing I was able to get into the full posture. The posture was a great way to lengthen my spine and it was very calming to my brain. Since the head is facing downward there aren't many distractions and I was able to fully focus on my breathing.



Resources:
http://www.thesecretsofyoga.com/Hatha-Yoga/Marichyasana-B.html
http://www.thesecretsofyoga.com/Ashtanga/MARICHYASANA-B.html
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/1731