Why warrior

To many people it seems strange that yoga with its emphasis on peace , non violence and stress reduction would have as one of its central poses a pose called warrior.  And yet it is true.  Warrior is one of the most fundamental of all the yoga poses and if you practice forms such as power yoga or flow yoga you will find yourself coming back to this very challenging pose again and again and again. 

Warrior actually refers to three different poses, warrior A, B and C, which can be practiced separately or together.  They are all dynamic and heat producing and when practiced correctly they open the hips, strengthen the legs and warm the body up for a deeper practice.  In addition Warrior A can introduce suppleness into the lower back, Warrior B can develop long lean muscles in the arms and warrior C can give you the classic yoga butt.  But more then these physical benefits the warrior poses give you strength and confidence on an emotional level.  Just as the physical act of smiling can make you happy the physical act of taking this pose can make you feel like a warrior who simply can not and will not be defeated. As mothers, daughters, sisters and wives we all know that there are battles that we must fight and must win for the sake of our loved ones so the opportunity to experience our inner strength through yoga is important.  But the real warrior that the name evokes is not the one that defends her family.  It is actually the classical spiritual warrior at war with the demons and urges within.  Seen like this the yoga mat is our battlefield, the practice our battle and the enemy to be conquered ourselves.  In most cases the fiercest enemy is the chattering mind and the powerful breath demanded by warrior will help to still it – but each of us have our own inner enemy and the battle is different for us all. The spoils of our war though are the same.  A practice built on warrior poses results in a deep and peaceful relaxation and a strong sense of self worth, self confidence and inner well being.  So choose a fight and take the warrior stance – hold it for as long as you can.

Namaste

Previously Published in Women Today