Benefits:
- Calming, centering
- Relaxes the entire body
- Elicits relaxation response
- Lengthens the lower back and relaxes the shoulders
- Stretches the quadriceps
Risk factors:
- Knees
- Groins (if very stiff)
Foundation:
Knees together or slightly apart, shins, tops of the feet, all ten toes and forehead on the floor, arms alongside the body or extended forward alongside the ears.
Props that can help make this pose more accessible:
- Place a block or bolster beneath the forehead.
- Place a blanket beneath shins, letting the feet hang off the blanket and another blanket between the shins and the hamstrings.
A philosophical interpretation of Balasana:
Balasana is often used as a resting pose in a yoga flow class. For type A people this can be a hard thing to do, wanting to power through a class, not wanting to be the ones that are resting in child pose while the rest of the class is moving. Listening to our body and knowing when we need a break is just as important as achieving an advance pose; resting when needed is humbling and courageous keeping our ego out and practicing self-care.
Child’s pose teaches to surrender, to learn the importance of taking a pause to rest, to listen to our body and to breathe with awareness with the innocence and curiosity of a child. We try to connect with an open mind to how our body feels and what it needs. This internal dialogue is essential to our wellbeing. Learning to be gentle, compassionate and loving to ourselves we prevent getting injured and we can also heal.
