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One of the many joys of Yoga practice is the opportunity to offer thanks and devotion to the Source of our existence. When we combine bhakti (devotional) Yoga with daily asana practice our experience becomes more meaningful and satisfying. After all, the myriad forms we assume in practice are merely expressions of the infinite possibilities imagined by God. Some asanas mimic the shape of animals, while others honor the memory of great beings, saints or gods. When we assume these shapes, we not only consider the mechanics of the asana, we take on the energy and spirit of those beings. Virabhadrasana I is a particularly potent asana, full of symbolic, energetic, and physical power. Virabhadra, or the great warrior, is another name for Shiva. Virabhadrasna I is followed by II and III, all stages depicting Virabhadra's warrior efforts. What effect does practicing this asana have on us? By emulating the actions of Virabhadra we become warriors for our higher Self, ready to do what is necessary to eliminate ego-based thought and action. Assuming the shape of a warrior sharpens our focus and permeates us with confidence and strength. Knowing that the battle is being waged to overthrow the small self transforms our effort into devotional, loving action. Expression of the warrior-like quality in Virabhadrasana I is only part of the picture. Love, devotion and surrender are also explored when assuming this asana. The physical attributes of Virabhadrasana I open the heart and lift the spirit, allowing full expression with the body. We strive to keep the chest lifted and the heart open to present our love and devotion. The backbending quality becomes symbolic of the surrender of our will as we offer ourselves to do God's bidding, not our own. Feeling the connection to our Source in this asana reinforces our reliance on God's wisdom. Raising arms and softly gazing up, we express our thanks. When practiced with an open and listening heart, Virabhadrasana I becomes a full body prayer. Our feet become the connection to the earth, which affords us the stability and foundation to lift the spirit upward. We mirror this in life, needing to have our "bases covered" before we can attend to loftier matters. The flow of energy in this asana establishes us as the conduit between the temporal and the spiritual. From Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog) inhale, stepping the right foot forward bending the knee, turning the left foot out about 45 degrees. Right foot should be parallel to your mat with the heel of the right foot intersecting the instep of the left. Right foot presses firmly but lightly into the floor, all four corners of the foot making even contact. Toes are relaxed, no gripping. Feel the energy rising, running up the leg muscles. You have made your initial connection to Divine energy. Front knee bends so the thigh is parallel to the floor and the knee, pointing forward, lines up directly over the ankle and big toe. Be careful that the knee doesn't splay out to the left or right. Right hip moves back, right buttock cupping under. Back leg muscles are active and lifting. Knee is straight but not locked. As the outside of the left foot presses into the floor, the instep lifts, creating a strong arch. You should be feeling the energy of the connection between your foot and floor running up both sides of the leg. Inside of the left leg lifts as strongly as the outside, opening the left hip. Left buttock moves under. Equalize the weight on each leg. Feel the power of your legs as they support and ground you. Hips as square as possible, facing forward over the right leg. Inhale and exhale for several breaths with your hands on your waist. Apply Mulabandha to help buoy energy and body upward. Inhale and raise arms overhead, palms together in prayer. Upper arms are rolling outward while forearms are rolling in. Elbows are straight but not locked. Exhale and bend the front knee a little further while simultaneously lifting the torso higher. Inhale and straighten the front leg. Exhale and try to bend the front knee still further while maintaining alignment and lift in the torso. Chest is lifting, collar bones and sternum expanded. The heart is open and joyful. Front ribs remain soft and aligned with the torso, not jutting out which shortens the lower back. Shoulder blades move down the back toward the waist. Both sides of the body are parallel. Center the torso over both legs. Abdomen is soft. Finally, lengthen the neck as you inhale and gaze at your fingertips and beyond. Keep earlobes away from your shoulders. Jaw and throat are soft, no strain. Smile inwardly to your inner guru (which is none other than yourself!), keeping your expression smooth and serene. Breathe evenly and freely with no constriction. Constriction closes the heart and blocks energy. Relax, breathe and most of all, enjoy assuming the role of the mighty warrior with his valiant heart. On an inhale, straighten legs, reverse feet and repeat on other side.
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