Category Archives: yoga

Full name: PASCHIMOTTANASANA = INTENSE STRETCH OF THE WEST POST
Paschima = West*
Uttana = Intense stretch
Asana = pose
(pronunciation: POSH-ee-moh-tan-AHS-anna)

*West… What? The back of the body is referred to as the west side, and the front of the body is the east side. Legend has it this is because, traditionally, you would practice yoga at the break of day facing the sunrise in the east (think of those Surya Namaskar, or sun salutations), hence the front of the body being the east side. If this is confusing for you, sub out west for ‘back of the body’. Paschimottanasana = intense stretch of the back of the body pose. Or just call it a seated forward fold because that is what it is!

Yoga is more than just asana, and that’s why I make an effort to read yoga books and watch yoga movies to deepen my knowledge about the rich cultures of this practice. For a while now, I’ve been curious to learn more about the philosophy and practices of Tantra yoga.

A yoga room is one of those places you want to walk into and experience an instant feeling of calmness. Yoga studios appear and feel like sanctuaries as they are supposed to be open, relaxed spaces. However, anyone can achieve the perfect yoga space by following simple decorating tips such as:

Full name: TADASANA = MOUNTAIN POSE
Tada = mountain
Asana = pose
(pronunciation: tad-AHS-anna)

Why You Should Practise Tadasana

In yoga, tadasana is your standing pose home base. Also, along with bhujangasana it shows up multiple times in Surya Namaskar (it’s where you start and end all your sun salutations), and throughout your practice. And if I were to add a pose to the yoga asana you should be practising everyday, tadasana would be it!

Friends, couples, random people you meet in the park — there’s no best way than the bonding experience of partner yoga poses. And with a second lockdown looming and people looking for things to do at home, these yoga poses for two people will give you an afternoon of fun and a good stretch. These are also great couple yoga poses for those looking for a new bonding experience. Get yer grabby-grab-grab on for yoga poses for 2!

Full name: BHUJANGASANA = COBRA POSE
Bhujanga = snake or cobra*
Asana = pose
(pronunciation: booj-ahn-GAHS-anna)

* The direct Sanskrit translation of bhujanga is snake. However, as cobras are common in India, and the form of bhujangasana is said to look like a cobra with a flared hood, it is translated as cobra for the position in yoga.

Why You Should Practise Bhujangasana