Lion's pose evokes laughter
By Kavita Maharaj - Nanaimo News Bulletin - November 10, 2008
Lion, or simhasana, is a yoga pose that usually evokes laughter from those who have see it for the first time.
Once tried, however, lion is a truly exhilarating pose. It can be used within asana (physical pose) practice or to begin pranayama (breathing) practice.
Lion's pose relieves tension in the face, neck, chest, upper and mid back. Lion tightens the muscles of the throat and face, decreasing the signs of ageing. It stimulates the muscles of the eyes, mouth, and tongue.
Lion opens the airway and helps to detoxify the lungs. It breaks the ego and restores a sense of playfulness to the practitioner.
If you have a knee injury, feel free to alter your seated position as is necessary. If needed, you may even choose to sit on a chair with your hands on your knees instead.
Lion's pose is sometimes practised on 'all fours' and/or with the legs in full lotus. The main anatomical focus of lion lies within the face, arms and back. As a result, the leg positioning is not terribly important.
To perform lion's pose, follow these simple steps. The directions given have the legs in hero's pose (see photo taken from www.yogajournal.com).
1. Kneel on your mat, your heels either under your sitting bones, or to the sides of your hips. If needed, extra padding, in the form of a folded blanket can be used under your knees, shins, ankles or feet.
2. Place your palms upon your knees. Press your palms against your knees, fanning your palms and splaying your fingers as if they were the claws of a lion. Turn the 'eyes' of your elbows up towards the ceiling.
3. Lift up through your chest, contracting your back muscles.
4. Inhale deeply through your nose. As you exhale, extend your tongue as far as it will go out of your mouth. Curl the tip of your tongue down toward your chin. Open your eyes as wide as you can, gazing towards your third eye (your brow chakra). Tighten the throat muscles, allowing the breath to produce a "ha" sound as it passes along the back of the throat and out of the mouth.
5. Repeat as many times as desired.
Have fun. The more you practice lion's pose, the more your ego will be released.
The more your ego is released, the more you will find that it ceases to matter who or how many people see you practice this exhilarating pose.
