Sometimes, we feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges. The road might seem endless, and the destination can look too far to reach. It is important to remember that it is not always the destination, but the road towards it that makes us happy. For a happy life, we need to live in the present and enjoy the road overcoming life challenges; we have to be calm and focused. The Goddess Pose Utkata Konasana will do that for us.
Exercising this yoga squat for several seconds daily will help you to develop more strength and stability, enabling you to find the grace in all movements throughout our day to day life.
Goddess Pose
To do the Goddess Pose, follow these instructions:
- Stand in Mountain Pose (Tadasana). Place your hands comfortably on the hips;
- Turn towards the right and place your feet about four feet apart. Place the toes out a little, pointing at the corners of the mat;
- Then you exhale, flex the knees right over the toes and lower the hips to execute a squat. Try to maintain your thighs parallel to the ground, however, do not force yourself beyond your limits;
- Reach out your hands at shoulder height, with the palms pointed downwards. Afterward, spiral the thumbs up to the sky, so that the palms are facing forwards. Flex the elbows and point the fingertips to the sky, with the upper arms and forearms at a 90-degree angle;
- Push the tailbone slightly forwards and push the hips forward, while drawing the thighs back. Maintain the knees in line with the toes. Relax the shoulders and look gently at the horizon;
- Maintain this stance for up to 10 breaths. To come out of the pose, slowly place your hands back on the hips. Maintaining an upright spine, inhale, and push firmly on your feet. Next, straighten the legs. Step the feet together and return to Mountain Pose.
Benefits Of Goddess Pose (Utkata Konasana)
The Goddess Pose presents numerous benefits:
- It energizes the body, relieving stress and delivering a general well-being sense;
- This posture stimulates the organs of the abdomen, mainly the kidneys, the urinary system, the ovaries, and the prostate gland;
- Goddess Pose improves the functioning of the thorax organs, as well as the breathing;
- Relieves menstrual pains and cramps;
- Straightens the hip, thigh and lower back muscles;
- Widening the uterus prior to pregnancy and helping during one;
- Broadening the chest and correcting postural flaws;
Contraindications
- Please consult a physician before practicing any yoga poses to make sure you are in good condition, especially if you suffer from any injury or illness.
- The Goddess is not recommended for individuals who have suffered a recent or chronic injury the hips, shoulders or legs
Practice yoga within your own limits and capabilities.