Chaturanga

Chaturanga Dandasana.  Also known as simply Chaturanga, 4-Limbed Staff Pose, and Tricep Push Up.  And Hell. And Heaven. And everything in between…
Chaturanga is the pose that I both abhor and adore because it is so dang tough to do with any semblance of control, and yet, it is the one pose that strengthens my arms, legs, and core faster than any other.

Essentially, Chaturanga is the bottom half of a good old fashioned push up.  My goal is always to do Chaturanga slowly, controlled, and while keeping  my body in a tight, straight, plank position.  I exhale as I lower down, attempting to create a 90 degree angle with my elbows, upper arms parallel to the ground while planting the balls of my feet firmly on the ground.
It took me a year and a half before I accomplished one that I felt proud of doing.  Yes, for 18 months I modified, tried, fell, and failed at my goal.  But Chaturanga is one of the most commonly used poses in a practice (YEA!!), so I just kept at it, and eventually I lowered down without putting down a knee – or both – and without collapsing on my belly and without arching or sinking into my back.
I still struggle to do every Chaturanga every day in every practice, but I can do a few to my level of expectation each time I hit the mat.  And in a few more days or weeks or months, I will be able to more than a few.  Maybe several.  And someday, I will be able to them all the way I envision.
The moral of the story today:  NEVER GIVE UP!
With love and hugs,
Ashli
Scripture for today: Psalm 31:24
Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
    all you who wait for the Lord!