Hatha Yoga Positions: Tadasana - The Mountain Position

By Kira Lis

Tadasana - The Mountain

Tadasana is one of the most basic of all yoga postures. It is a grounding posture to bring the body and mind in balance and alignment.

I know you are at your computer, but take a moment and stand erect. Your feet are hip-width apart and parallel...like railroad tracks. Your weight is distributed evenly on both feet.

Stand tall. Your chin is level. Your arms are at your side. Your shoulders are relaxed, downward.

You feel strong in your legs. They are your support. They are reaching down into the earth. Your thighs are firm. Your kneecaps are raised. Your buttocks is tucked.

All the energy in the lower part of your body is your support. With this strength, grow from your waist, your chest, reaching out through the crown of your head. Your torso reaches up.

And of course, remember to breathe. Life is easier when we take the time to breathe.

Bring your arms up to a t-position. Stretch to the east and the west. Reaching out to infinity. Remember to keep those shoulders relaxed.

Now turn the palms up and bring your arms up parallel beside your ears. Your arms and legs are in alignment. (Remember those shoulders).

Feel the gentle touch of a loved one on your shoulders reminding them to stay relaxed. Keeping your neck long. Still reaching out through the crown of your head, growing taller. Taller in your life.

The lower part of your body is reaching Earthward. It is giving you support and grounding. The upper part of your body is reaching Heavenward, your arms held up by angels. As you breathe, you may wonder, are you a human (with the lower part of your body reaching Earthward) having a spiritual experience (upper body reaching upward)? Or are you a spiritual creature from the Heavens having a human experience reaching into the earth?

When the time is right, let your arms float down, release the holding in your legs and thighs and buttocks. Close your eyes and relax.

Aaahhhhhhhhhh