• |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

About the Author: Katie-Marie Fuller

Katie Marie Fuller is a professional writer, editor, visual artist, therapist, and registered yoga teacher working in Staffordshire, England. With a strong undercurrent of communication and creativity rippling through the various branches of her work, she centres her purpose around positive self-talk and self-empowerment through freedom of emotional expression. “My work as a writer and artist informs my practice as a yogi and a therapist. Through movement – internally as well as externally – I support others to excavate imprinted trauma and assimilate their own personal truths, fortifying their relationships with the person that matters most – themselves. Each element of what I do – from my work as a neurological writer and editor, to my practice as a therapist - couldn’t exist without the interconnectivity achieved through a life dedicated to the philosophical path of yoga.” Distinctly multidisciplinary in her approach to writing and communication, Katie adopts an inherently lyrical and poetic approach to writing while remaining grounded in science and guarded by credible evidence. Through words, she provokes critical thinking, influences new perspectives, invokes deep emotion, and encourages greater exploration of self. Contact Details Instagram Substack Website

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