ARDHA CHANDRASANA (Half Moon Pose)
A balancing posture that strengthens the legs, improves coordination, and opens the chest and shoulders. It brings a sense of lightness and clarity to the mind.
Steps:
- Stand in Tadasana (Mountain Pose) at the top of your mat, with your feet together and your arms at your sides.
- Inhale as you raise your arms overhead, reaching towards the ceiling. Exhale and shift your weight onto your right foot, lifting your left foot off the mat and bringing it parallel to the floor behind you.
- Keep your left leg straight and strong, with your toes pointing down towards the floor.
- Inhale as you extend your torso forward over your right leg, maintaining a straight line from your left heel to your head.
- Place your right hand on the floor or a low stool directly under your right shoulder.
- Rotate your torso to the left, opening your chest towards the left side of the room.
- Extend your left arm towards the ceiling, stacking your shoulders and creating a straight line from your left hand to your left heel.
- If this position is comfortable for your neck, gaze up towards your left hand.
- Hold this pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute, breathing deeply.
- To release, exhale as you slowly lower your left leg to the floor and return to Tadasana. Repeat on the other side.