Pose of the Month: November 2011, Reclining Bound Angle Pose

 Reclining Bound Angle Pose

Starting in Baddha Konasana or butterfly pose, sit on exhale and lower your back torso toward the floor, first leaning on your hands for balance. Once you are leaning back on your forearms, bring your torso all the way to the floor, supporting your head and neck on a blanket roll, bolster or block.  Also prop two blankets underneath your knees as shown.  Place arms, palms up laying on the ground next to your body. The natural tendency in this pose is to push the knees toward the floor in the belief that this will increase the stretch of the inner thighs and groins. 

Stay in this pose for one minute. Gradually extend your stay anywhere from five to 10 minutes. To come out, use your hands to press your thighs together, then roll over onto one side and push yourself away from the floor, head trailing the torso.

Benefits:

Opens your abdomen, chest and pelvic region and the areas most often restricted by the way you normally sit and stand, by the shape of the chairs you use, or your car seats. But, mentally and emotionally, it facilitates a deep opening, with support and safety, leaving you with a feeling of calm, peace and tranquility.