The Eagle pose shown above that I do every other day is not easy for me. Maybe it's because of my pesky bunions that cause my feet to be misaligned and impede my balance. Whatever the reason, the Eagle requires coodination and balance - qualities that are not innate to me.
So, I have had to devise ways to make the pose easier for me to do. These include extending my arms out to the side as shown in the first photo. By doing this, I create a center of balance that allows me to enter the next phase of the pose - intertwining my arms and legs. Finally, to maintain the last segment of the pose in which you look downward like an eagle ready to swoop down on its prey, I founding that gazing at a specific spot on the mat or the floor also helps me maintain my balance.
But, this pose is one that I do well some days and other days, barely at all! Yesterday morning was one of my off days. I was teetering and tottering in the final part of the pose and had to catch myself by extending my arms in the doorway where I often do the pose.
It occurred to me that I could have been angry and frustrated by my inabilty to maintain my balance, but I chose not to be. Although we can gain mastery of yoga poses through consistent practice, yoga is not about perfection. Sure, I'd like to be able to do every pose perfectly or well everytime but, I am still a bit uncoordinated and it "ain't going to happen" for me. And, it may not happen for you.
I just know however, that when I practice with a positive intention, my body, mind, and spirit benefit despite my imperfections in executing a pose. And, the Eagle is great for toning the calves and thighs, stretching upper back muscles and hip and knee joints, relieving varicose veins, and in helping to improve coordination and balance. It's wonderful when you can do a pose superbly, but in my humble opinion, "intention counts much more than perfection."
Yours for practicing yoga with a positive intention,
Laura Venecia Rodriguez, The Beginners' Yoga at Home Coach
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