• |Asana Clinic - virabhadrasana|Ardha Matsyendrasaa|Anahatasana

The Asana Clinic: Week 3

Published On: February 1, 2019By Tags: , ,

Finding Strength in Virabhadrasana II

As we begin the descent in to February, our New Year sincerities are either earnestly established, now forming an integral part of our daily routines – or they are well and truly out of the window. Whatever your situation, drawing on some inner strength could be key to re-establishing, or further enhancing, the vows you made to yourself at the beginning of the year. So far, we have re-grounded with Anahatasana; we have detoxified with Ardha Matsyendarasana and now it is time to strengthen our body, mind and energy with Virabhadrasana II – aka ‘Warrior II’.

Often we think of inner strength as something we have to generate mentally and emotionally, however, I emphatically believe that expressions of outer strength can create just as much inner strength. This week’s chosen pose, Virabhadrasana II, is a key example of building outer strength and inner strength synergistically.

In yoga, we work from simply establishing a good foundation in each pose, to staying in said pose for a longer period of time – often minutes at a time. The practice of prolonged stances requires a great deal of mental stamina, concentration, focus, the ability to close the mind off from external disruptions and bring the self in to that moment and that activity alone; it also requires a hefty amount of determination, will power and discipline – all personal attributes that are conducive to a good mass of inner strength. Let’s find some inner and outer strength, in week 3 of our clinic, with Virabhadrasana II.

Sanskrit Name: Virabhadrasana II
English Translation: Warrior II

Contraindications: Please approach with caution if you suffer from the following:

  • Diarrhoea
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Injuries to the neck: Do not turn the head to look past the leading hand; simply continue to look forwards. This will help to keep both sides of the neck equally lengthened and won’t cause strain.

Preparatory Poses:

  • Baddha Konasana – Bridge Pose
  • Trikonasana – Triangle Pose
  • Apanasana – Wind relieving pose
  • Vrksasana – Tree Pose
  • Natarajasana – Lord of the Dance Pose
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About the Author: Katie-Marie Fuller

Katie-Marie Fuller is a professional writer and editor, published poet, visual artist and yoga guide, living in Staffordshire, England. Specialising in creative writing, meditative poetry and autonomist abstract art, her esteemed career has been imbued by and grounded in the ancient philosophy of yoga. A Master of Fine Art, qualified journalist, and a multi-lingual speaker, creativity and language are central themes within her work both on and off the mat. Exploring communication in visual spaces, her messages are expressed through art, offered in words and held in devotional movement. “My work as a writer and artist far transcends words written on a page or paint splashed across a canvas. Beautiful words and artistic expression are born from beautiful thinking and excavation of imprinted trauma, which couldn’t exist without the externally somatic, and intrinsically cleansing practice of yoga. With a distinct multiplicity, my emotive, poetic approach to writing aims to invoke deep emotion and incite greater exploration of self.” Contact Details Website Instagram Samara Life Instagram Substack

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