A very important state in yoga is balance
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In this state, we feel energetic and relaxed at the same time
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Ancient yogis called the energy of balance sattva
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In this state, we feel alert and relaxed
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The double angle is an excellent illustration of this state
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Through this posture, we can feel the strength of the lower body, but the mind becomes quiet
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In practice, your legs are strong and stable, but your heart and head are relaxed and calm
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First of all, let’s talk about the foundation of the double angle
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Stand with your feet parallel, and when you reach your arms to your sides, your ankles will be under your wrists
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Press your feet on the ground and let the movement bounce up in your body to help straighten your legs and extend your spine
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Tighten the leg muscles to make your lower body feel strong and energetic
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Now readjust your legs to balance your feet
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Is your arch inward? If so, lift the arch of your inner foot up and pull your thighs back, while keeping your back neutral and your tailbone relaxed toward the floor
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Put your hands on your hips and keep the alignment
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Stretch your legs actively and press your feet firmly to the ground
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Notice if this downward release of energy creates a sense of lightness that can bounce up through your spine
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Before folding forward, let’s talk about your favorite hand position in the upper body and raise your arm up
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Slightly wider than shoulder, slightly bent elbows, palms opposite
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Please note, how does the chest feel in this position? The chest is raised and the anterior spine is extended
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Keep that feeling, with your arms on your hips
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Hold for a moment, even if you fold forward, keep the same feeling
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As you move forward, rejuvenate your legs
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Inhale, fold forward from the hips and exhale to bring your chest forward
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Pay attention to folding from the hips rather than the waist, and if you can comfortably place your hands on the floor while keeping your front spine extended, place both hands on the ground below your shoulders with your fingers facing forward
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If it’s too far from the ground, put two yoga bricks or chairs in front of you and put your hands on them
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Breathe slowly and steadily
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Keep your neck extended
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Your eyes, chest and abdomen should all be in the same direction
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In forward bends such as the double angle, you may try to reach for the ground
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But keep in mind that we need to find balance, and it’s hard to feel it if you strain the hamstring or the spine
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Therefore, please pause when your body reaches the comfort limit
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After you support your hands on the floor or yoga bricks, turn your attention to your legs
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Pull back on the inside of your thighs so that your hips and heels are in the same plane
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At the same time, pull the top of your head forward until your spine feels extended
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Draw a dynamic energy line from the top of your head to your tailbone
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Press your feet into the ground to stabilize your legs, as well as your arms
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Both hands are rooted in the ground, bringing comfort to your upper body
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Hold for a moment and let the benefits of posture go deep into your heart
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Ask yourself where you’re going to feel difficult or blocked, and then fine tune as necessary
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Breathe slowly and comfortably, paying attention to the abdomen and how the breath passes through the spine
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When you’ve been in the pose long enough, put your hands on your hips, lift your chest and stand up
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Back to mountain pose
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Keep breathing a few times so you can absorb the benefits of the double angle
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Are your legs more stable and solid? Is your mind clearer? Enjoy the pleasant balance!.
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