“You can have the mind or you can have the moment. Or both.”
Shoulder stand
Sanskrit: Salamba sarvangasana
How to do it
Warning: If you have neck injuries or medical issues, check with your doctor before attempting this pose. This pose is not appropriate for all practitioners and is best practiced under the watchful eye of a trusted teacher.
Neatly stack two blankets with the folded edges aligned with the short edge of your mat. Lay on the blankets and place the tops of your shoulders 2 inches from the edge of the blankets.
Rest your head on the floor, off the blanket. Place your arms at your sides. Bend your knees and bring your feet to the floor, heels near butt.
As you inhale, bring your knees in toward your chest. As you exhale, straighten your legs and send them up toward the sky. Place your hands on your lower back to support your posture, fingertips pointed down toward your tail bone.
To come out of the pose, bend your knees in toward your chest and slowly lower down onto your back.
The benefits
Like headstand, this inversion offers numerous benefits to multiple systems in the body. It’s a cooling and energetic way to end your practice.
Many people are alive but don’t touch the miracle of being alive.
