At Sadhana, we’re dedicated to all aspects of yoga
asana
Bringing asana (postures), chanting, meditation, and breath awareness together offers a clear path for enhancing health, well-being, and spiritual growth. Sadhana Yoga Hudson shares the rich history, philosophy, and teachings of the yoga tradition to students and teachers alike.
Focus of the Month
Moon Salutations, Half-Moon Pose and Lion Pose
a month of moons, new, half, and full
The new moon falls on the last day of July, and the full moon on Thursday, August 15th. I’ve heard astrologers are encouraging us to be real with ourselves during this time and with those we are most intimate with, but also predicting that we can gather the strength we will need from Leo to do just that!
In August, we’ll honor the moon, in all her glory, by practicing moon salutations, called Chandra Namaskar. I still love hearing the Sanskrit for the asanas; there’s a mysterious beauty that resonates a bit in the air after the words are spoken. There are countless variations of the moon salutation, and many of them start with the left side, either stepping with the left leg or moving in the left direction in a circle, while sun salutations, Surya Namaskar, start with the right side and move forward and backwards. The moon salutations invite us to use our imaginations to channel the lunar aspect, which can have cool, relaxing and creative qualities.
It seems a natural fit to weave half-moon pose, Ardha Chandrasana, into the practice to offer a strong challenge for balance, strength, and flexibility. This pose demands focus; one distraction, and boom, you’ll topple over. We’ll play with using outer supports (blocks, the wall) and creatively cultivate inner stability in the feet, legs, and spine.
And when it’s all said and done, there’s the beautiful strength of Simhasana, the lion pose; we’ll just get down and roar!!