In Easy post, it seems that you’re just sitting, but this is an active pose. The asana opens the hips, lengthens the spine and promotes grounding and inner calm. You’re sitting cross legged; your aim is to touch your knees to the ground. To achieve this, it helps if you sit on a small cushion or bolster..

Sit on the floor, with a small cushion under your rear, and cross your legs.  Rest your hands on your knees with the palms facing up. Relax your hips.

Press your hip bones down into the floor and reach the crown of the head up to lengthen the spine.  Relax your shoulders  and back and press your chest gently towards the front of the room.

Relax your face, jaw, and belly.

Remember that the post is active – relax, and lengthen your spine at the same time.

Let your tongue rest on the roof of your mouth just behind your front teeth.

You can relax in Sukhasana for as long as you wish.

[tags]Sukhasana, easy pose, asana, relax[/tags]

You don’t need any special clothing for yoga, however if yoga is to be part of your life, you’ll want to invest in a yoga wardrobe which you enjoy. When you look good, you’ll be motivated to do your yoga.

Here are five tips on choosing yoga clothing you’ll love.

Choose:

1. Clothing which stretches with you

You can choose form-fitting clothing, or looser clothing. If you’re fit, and you enjoy showing off your shape, then form-fitting clothing is for you. However, make sure that your clothing isn’t too tight: you should be able to breathe easily, and move without strain.

If you’re a little overweight, choose loose clothing. You can choose tops and pants which are loose enough to hide a little of your shape, while still looking great. Don’t buy clothing which is too loose and baggy: it can be a distraction when you’re in your poses.

2. Clothing which is comfortable and moisture-absorbent

Natural fibers like silk, cotton, linen and wool are best, because they’re comfortable and moisture absorbent: synthetic fibers can lead to discomfort, especially if the studio is hot.

Check the material: some fiber-mixes are excellent, because you get the benefit of natural fibers, as well as the comfort of stretch.

3. Materials which are easy to care for

Yoga clothing needs to be wash and wear – check the labels, to ensure that your clothing washes well.

4. Yoga clothing which is easy to accessorize: casual comfort

Consider yoga clothing which you can wear to and from the studio: changing completely when you go for your yoga lesson isn’t necessary if you buy tops and yoga pants which look good as casual wear.

5. Colors which you enjoy

Colors you enjoy make a difference to your mood. Choose colorful tops and pants.

[tags]yoga clothing, yoga wear, tops, pants, materials[/tags]

Tadasana

Tadasana, or Mountain Pose, looks deceptively simple. However, it’s an extremely active yoga pose. The key to the post is proper posture: imagine that there’s a plumb line through the crown of your head, down your spine, and right down to your feet.

Stand tall, with your big toes touching, toes spread, and your arms at your side. The weight of your body should be evenly spread on your feet. If your ankles turn inward, straighten them, so that the weight is on the outside of your feet.

Imagine that there’s a string attached to the center of your skull which is pulling your head and body upward.

Inhale, and then relax your shoulders as you exhale, letting your shoulders drop. Sense your shoulder blades, allow them to widen, and release.

Breathe deeply, relaxing your forehead and your neck.

Stay in the pose for a minute or longer. Although Tadasana is often the opening pose for a session of yoga, you can practice this pose at any time.

It’s especially beneficial in the middle of the day when you’re tense.

[tags]yoga, poses, asana, Mountain Pose, Tadasana[/tags]