TRIANGLE

The triangle provides a unique combination of balancing, strengthening, and stretching. It is the final asana in the session, so move on to the final relaxation part of the session when completed.

PHYSICAL BENEFITS

• Tones the spinal nerves and abdominal organs.

• Promotes flexibility in the legs and the hips.

• Improves sense of balance.

1 Stand with your legs about twice shoulder-width apart. Turn your left foot outward and align it with the instep of your right foot. Your head, chest, and spine should all be straight, with your entire body facing forward.

2 Inhale, bring your right arm up parallel to your right ear, ensuring that it is straight. Feel the stretch along your right side, as though your arm is being pulled up from your waist. Rest your left hand on the outside of your left thigh.

3 Retaining this stretch, exhale and bend to the left. Slide your left hand down your left leg without twisting your body. Make sure your arms and knees remain straight, and that there is no weight on your lower arm. Keep your right arm against your right ear, without turning your head. Hold this position for up to 1 minute, then repeat on the other side.

WORKING TOWARD TRIANGLE

If you are unable to touch your foot in step 3, bend your left knee as you exhale and bend your trunk to the left. Each session, slightly reduce the bend in your knee until you are comfortable performing step 3 with a straight leg.

EXPERIENCE FOR VATA

This asana is ideal for the vata body, as it requires balancing while concentrating on deep, controlled breathing.

EXPERIENCE FOR PITTA

The triangle works out the muscles on many levels, making it particularly appealing to pitta’s ambitious nature.

EXPERIENCE FOR KAPHA

The kapha body provides natural endurance to allow enjoyment of this asana’s requirement for balance and strength.

“One gram of practice is better than many tons of theory.”

SWAMI VISHNUDEVANANDA