When I was 3 my dad was removing full-length windowpanes from a balcony that hung off their 1970’s glass house. I loved watching my daddy do anything. Clean the garage, fix my piggy bank over and over, or… remove thin sheets of glass from what seemed like the Great Glass Elevator.
Today I empathize with how my father might have felt in that tragic moment more than I can remember experiencing the accident. I suppose one of my guardian angels was looking out for my psychological well-being. I do have one small scar that hovers just above my Quadratus Lumborum, or my side to low back waist.
I love that scar. It reminds me of my father. Almost like I have a piece of him with me. He grabbed me and was my human shield. Today when I practice, I can feel the fibers of that scar and its finessed elasticity, especially in my Trikonanasa, Triangle Pose. The history behind this scar is what gave me my first taste of what it means to be grounded. I met that grounded human being when I was 3 and crashes of a full-length, sheet of glass, threatened me.
Triangle Pose is by far one of my go-to shapes. It is the essence of balancing, grounding, and pure harmony for my body. It is a “full-body-work-out” pose, requiring equilibrium and core strength. It can also be very therapeutic for flat feet, neck pain, osteoporosis, sciatica, and anxiety.
Perhaps if we find balance and harmony in Triangle Pose, what we really are experiencing is foundation from our own internal strength, or a grounding effect. “Grounding” is something we do. We can physically practice it and spiritually connect to become more secure. When we bear down, activate our Mullah Banda’s, lift pelvic floors and hug muscles to bones, or meditate, we connect deeper to ourselves from within. Allowing us to feel more secure and in control or grounded.
Trikonasana reminds me of that protective hug that saved me when I couldn’t access any control in that frightening accident. It allows me to practice opening my heart, to continue being vulnerable, twisting through my abdominals to wring out any anxiety, and ground down into my feet with the strength and structure of a triangular shape created by my leg formation for stability. I am eternally grateful for my father’s protection and for my yoga practice that continually proves to act as a guardian angel for my body, mind, and soul.
MOVEMENT MONDAY: Utthita Trikonasa, means extended, three angles or triangle. Stand in a wide legged formation with legs about 3.5 feet apart. Raise the arms sideways, in line with shoulders, palms facing down and arms parallel to the floor. Turn your right foot to 90 degrees and keep the left leg stretched and engaged at the kneecap by lifting your toes. Bend the trunk sideways to the right bringing your right palm close to the right ankle or the floor. Stretch the left arm up in line with the right shoulder and extended trunk. Back of the legs, back of the chest, and hips should be aligned. Repeat on the left side after holding this posture for several long and even breaths. Find out what it means to be grounded. Namaste
Sam Merkur: Certified Yoga Instructor, (CYA-RYT) and Iyengar trained, uses Yoga to assist with healing injuries, aiding in recovery from surgeries, managing chronic and degenerative issues, and as a preventative measure to increase stability and mobility for overall well-being. Sam is a mother of 2 kids, two dogs and the founder of Yogabodii. Visit: yogabodii.com
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Grounding into Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) #movemementmonday with Sam Merkur