Yoga is an effective tool for increasing flexibility and reducing stress, and it also helps create strength, discipline, confidence and courage. The strength that you learn in class can be mindfully carried over into your everyday life. When you attempt to conquer the difficult poses on the yoga mat, you learn to have the courage to tackle challenging tasks off the mat as well.
Warrior I
Warrior I, or in Sanskrit Virabhadrasana I, is the first of three warrior poses, which stand for strength and courage. "Yoga Journal" says in yoga, a warrior is representative of a "spiritual warrior who bravely does battle with the universal enemy, self-ignorance, the ultimate source of all our suffering." When in warrior I, try to feel the inner power that this pose radiates. To practice this pose, "Yoga Journal" says to stand at the front of your mat and step your left foot back 3 1/2 to 4 feet, and have it turned at a 45- to 60-degree angle to the side of your mat. Bend your right knee to a 90-degree angle and make sure the knee is aligned over your ankle. Square your hips to the front of your mat and raise your arms in line with your ears. Hold for five breaths and repeat on the other side.
Warrior II
Warrior II, or in Sanskrit Virabhadrasana II, is also a warrior pose representing strength, courage and confidence. Stand at the top of your yoga mat. Step your left leg 3 1/2 to 4 feet back behind the right. Turn your left foot out 90 degrees, and have your left and right heel in a straight line. Bend your right knee to 90 degrees and make sure your knee is aligned with your ankle. Raise your arms to shoulder height so they are parallel to the floor, with the right hand reaching out in front of you and the left reaching behind you. Hold for five breaths and repeat on the other side.
Warrior III
Warrior III, or in Sanskrit Virabhadrasana III, is the third and most challenging of the warrior poses. Like a warrior, it requires strength, courage and confidence to execute it, or at least courage to keep trying the pose until you are able to master it. Stand at the top of your mat. Balance on your right leg and lift your left leg straight out behind you until it is parallel to the floor, according to ABC of Yoga. At the same time, lean your upper body forward, keeping your back straight until your torso is also parallel to the floor. Hold for five breaths and repeat on the other side.
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