I tried to think of appropriate yoga poses to go along with St. Patrick’s Day. Leprechauns are said to like hopping and dancing on one leg so in dedication to our little leprechauns, we are practicing Tree Pose.
St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) is a day to celebrate the death of St. Patrick. St. Patrick’s day is traditional world wide including Ireland, Great Britain, Canada, United States, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. This holiday is traditionally celebrated with parades, green beer and wearing a green shamrock on your clothing. Wearing green is said to bring you good luck and keeps you from getting pinched on March 17.
Slowly bring your hands back to prayer in front of your chest and slowly release your right foot down. Refocus your attention to the right foot balance and bring your left leg up to the same place you did on your right.
Rebalance and bring your arms to heart center. Extend your arms overhead to a different hand mudra. Breathe 5-10 breaths and slowly release.
Benefits of tree pose: Improves balance and stability in the legs, works and strengthens the core, strengthens the tendons and ligaments in the feet, opens the pelvis and hip bones, also builds self-confidence and self esteem.
FLOOR BOW POSE (DHANURASANA)
Another pose that reminded me of this holiday is Floor Bow Pose. This pose reminds me of a pot of gold or a rainbow. Both of these poses are perfectly appropriate for St. Patty’s Day.
Start by laying flat with your stomach on the ground. Bend your knees and reach around grabbing your right ankle with your right hand and left ankle with left hand. Start to kick your feet so your arms are being pulled. You can begin to rock back and forth, breathing deeply. Make sure your knees are as close together as possible, hold and breathe for 5-10 inhale and exhale breaths and slowly release.
Benefits of bow pose: Opens the heart, hips, chest, and abdominal muscles. Improves balance, digestion, fatigue, anxiety, and menstrual discomfort.
However you decide to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, do it with Cheer! Namaste!
