Pose of the Month: Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

Tadasana is my absolute favorite pose. It lengthens the spine and opens up the chest and shoulders. It reverses the constant stress that gravity puts on our bodies daily. This posture also allow us to wake up our nervous system.

Here are the steps to get you started:

• Ground your feet down into the earth. They can be together or slightly separated, but all 11 toes face forward.
• Bend slightly in the knees, trying not to lock out your joints (to prevent injury).
• Engage all the muscles in your legs.
• Tilt your pelvis back to align you femur bones into each hip socket.
• Straighten and lengthen your spine.
• Bring your shoulder blades back and down onto your spine.
• Lift your arms to the sky, and send energy through your fingertips.
• Take your gaze to your hands and BREATHE.

Whenever you feel like this is a simple pose, review all of the details listed above. There are a lot of them, and being mindful of each one makes what seems like an uncomplicated pose far more engaging. But remember: practice makes perfect.