balancing beach warrior

In yoga there are three warrior poses that offer different benefits.

I’ve always wondered about the numbering of the postures. Warrior II seems so much easier than Warrior I and Warrior III is so different from the others. But I was applying my western “physical” mind to a series of postures with mythical eastern origins.

One of the stories of the origin of the warrior poses, explained the postures and helped them make sense to me. These are not postures of fighting and ego but a way of training our bodies and minds to be strong and compassion filled. The story includes a turn of purpose suggesting that every struggle and challenge has within it an opportunity for compassion.

So with an attitude of compassion for yourself, check out warrior III this week. Maria De Noda, one of our teachers in the Princeton takes you out to the beach for a great demo of Warrior III.

This pose continues to build your core and ankle muscles. And being in the sand make it even more fun. Try this at your desk beginning from your desk dog and lifting one leg behind you and then lifting your hands up off your desk.

Whatever you do, don’t be too serious. Invite a friend to explore this with you or get your children to see who can hold their balance the longest.

Giggle and be silly.

Be a sand warrior of lightness and fun.

It’s your life.

Be well…it’s a state of mind.