Mountain Pose – Tadasana

1. Feel your body; surround yourself with balance
2. Summon enthusiasm, awaken your energy
3. Feel the stability and strength like a mountain
4. Embrace the child in you

The starting position, Tadasana which generally precedes all other asanas, serves us to center our power, channel vital energy and prepare for meditation. This position teaches us grounding, rootedness, inner stability of spirit, mind and body.

It is more challenging than it looks; deep breathing achieves balance and harmonization of vital energy, and at the same time improves body posture. The mountain pose due to its simplicity offers us a moment of awareness of the center of peace that everyone carries in their feet. That center is our constancy, our awakened consciousness.

The yoga pose mountain is an excellent opportunity for self-observation and self-awareness, observing our own thoughts and accepting who we are.

• Provides a sense of inner balance.
• Brings peace and restores energy.
• Improves posture and develops spinal strength.
• Reduces stress levels and calms the central nervous system.
• Strengthens thighs, leg muscles and increases their strength.
• Increases self-confidence.

Warning:

For people with a balance center disorder this asana may be more challenging, in addition, it may cause headache and affect blood pressure!

The starting position is a standing position with feet together and arms by the body. Stretch your knees and thigh muscles, tighten your back and pull your stomach in slightly. Spread your toes and feel the pads under your toes.

If your spine is crooked, tuck your pelvis and extend your spine by pulling your shoulders back. Push your chest forward and distribute your body weight on both feet. In this position, you can close your eyes and become aware of your stability. Breathe deeply and focus on your feet, which represent your center of peace and stability. Hold the position for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Easier versions

1) Stay in the position with your arms above your head; hands may be joined or shoulder-width apart.
2) Bring your hands together and place them in front of your chest on your sternum.
3) Place your hands on the sides next to your body and turn your palms outwards. If you are not stable enough, separate your legs hip-width apart.

More Advanced Version

Bring your palms together behind your back while in Mountain Pose.