MJ's Yogi Tip for Today

Hanuman’s successful transit across the ocean was referred to as the Giant Leap, the leap of faith! The son of wind God, he used the power of wind to fly to Lanka, skillfully tackling the obstacles on his way. In that giant leap Hanuman embodied his love for Sita and Lord Rama.

I tell the story as an opener for this week's yoga class. I simply love the series of asanas that build to the final expression of Hanuman's Giant Leap. I feel great after this practice, and I'm sure you will too.

The Pose of Devotion

1. Start in Lunge Pose with one foot in front, placing your knee over your ankle.
2. Place both hands on the floor next to your front leg.
3. The back knee is on the floor, toes are pointed away from you.
4. Start sliding the front heel forward. You might want to try this on non-sticky surface which allows you to slide easily.
5. Lift the ball of the front foot up and slide the front leg as far as your hamstrings allow you to. You might first want to stop at Ardha Hanumanasana, the Half Split Pose, take a few breaths there, and then continue.
6. As your front leg straightens, start pushing the back knee backwards so your back thigh is getting closer towards the floor. Make sure your back leg remains straight from hip and is not extending towards either side.
7. Keep hips square towards the front of the mat and focus on leveling the pelvis instead of reaching to the ground. Press your inner thighs towards each other to help support the pelvis.
8. When you reach the ground, straighten your spine.
9. Start from staying in the pose for 20 seconds and work your way up to 1 minute.
10. To come out, carefully lean to the side of your front leg, sit on your outer hip, and bring the legs together.
11. Be patient and use props when necessary.