Welcome to Yoga Pose of the Month!

March's pose of the month is one of my favorite poses: Goddess Pose or Utkata Konasana

-Utkata: Powerful or Fierce -Kona: Angle Asana: Pose

Many refer to this pose as Fierce Angle Pose or Goddess Pose. The Sanskrit name highlights the more fierce representation of divine feminine energy. Goddess pose helps us connect to our sacral and root charka. Goodness pose invites us to take all the space we need and increase our range of motion for our hips.

A little history lesson about Goddess Pose.

According to yogic traditions, the pose is said to originate from the Hindu Goddess Kali (the aspect of divine feminine energy), who is often depicted in battle basking victoriously in her trademark squat.. aka Goddess Pose. The fierceness of Goddess Kali symbolizes the power and strength of feminine energy.

We all possess masculine and feminine energy. Our masculine energy is governed by the sun and strength and feminine energy is directed by the moon and nurturing qualities. Goddess pose is full of feminine energy and this allows us to practice Goddess pose more often in moon salutations to help us connect deeper to the feminine energy.

Goddess pose is a deep hip opening pose that is usually practiced in Yin style yoga. This practice is great for women as it helps create room in the pelvis, making pregnancy, labor, and delivery more comfortable. This pose also helps alleviate menstrual symptoms. Goddess pose demands awareness and focus to stay balanced in the pose, and helps create a powerful mind-body connection.

Goddess Pose helps increase self-esteem, self-awareness, and enhancing confidence.

How to Practice:

• Stand with your feet wider than hip-width apart, toes pointing slightly outward.
• inhale, and as you exhale, bend your knees deeply, lowering your hips towards ground.
• Keep your spine tall, chest lifted, and shoulder relaxed.
• Bring your arms out to the side at shoulder height, palms facing forward. (Cactus arms)
• Hold the pose for 30 seconds to a minute, breathing deeply while holding.

Modifications

• Adjust the width of your stance based on your level of comfort and flexibility.

Affirmation for Goddess Pose:

"I am strong, grounded, and connected to the powerful energy within me"

Namaste :)