Did you know?
Goddess pose – Kali asana – shakti asana – strengthens the entire lower part of the body, opens the hips and chest, and stretches the spinal column. It is especially useful FOR WOMEN. Asana energizes and warms the whole body, and improves mental clarity, balance, and concentration!
Goddess pose
Name and meaning:
In Sanskrit, Kali – the name of a Hindu goddess; a symbol of female energy; shakti; asana– yoga pose. Kali represents massive transformation, non-conformity, boundary-pushing, life, and death cycles. Kali asana can also be found under the names: Goddess pose, Utkata Konasana (utkata – powerful; kona angle; asana – position), and Victory squat. For more information on this topic, read HERE
Goddess pose
BENEFITS
Practicing the Goddess pose regularly has both mental and physical benefits:
Goddess Pose is a deep hip-opener practice
Strengthens thighs, glutes, ankles, and calves
Deeply opens chest
Stimulates the urogenital, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems.
holding the pose while keeping the thighs parallel to the floor requires strength. Therefore helps to build the necessary balance and strength in the body.
Great pose for women in general. It helps relieve menstrual symptoms or hormonal issues
Pushing the sit bones with the action of lifting the spine upwards helps release tension from the lower back, hips, and pelvis;
the pose demands awareness and focus. So it can be incorporated into yoga for children/teens, creating a powerful mind-body connection.
It strengthens the muscles of the legs, (from the thighs to the calves), the muscles of the ankles and feet, and also the hands.
This pose can improve your posture and prevent the negative effects of prolonged sitting.
Regular practice improves blood circulation. It thereby strengthens immunity and improves cognitive abilities.
Develops patience
It has a calming and grounding effect
Instructions – Step by step
The asana steps are straightforward and easy to follow. When done correctly, this yoga pose can transform your body.
1. To begin, take a straddling stance with your legs bent at the knees (as deep as possible)
2. come to stand with the feet wide apart (more than hip distance). Feet are facing outwards
3. Push the hips forward
4. Bend your arms at the elbows and spread them to the side so that your upper arms are parallel to the floor.
5. Turn the fingers of the hands upwards and spread them as far as possible so that the fingers do not touch
6. Inhale in the position, and while exhaling, tighten all the muscles of the body
7. While breathing in, get out of the position
Additional tips and tricks
Little secrets of the great masters
Tighten the muscles from bottom to top: feet, calves, buttocks, saddle muscles, stomach, chest, back, neck, face
Drop your shoulders down and back
Keep your arms active, as if they are holding a large ball above your head.
Look at the center of the forehead with the chin parallel to the floor.
align the knee just above the ankle
Be careful not to pinch the foot of the standing leg. Squeezing the feet will result in small unnecessary movements followed by loss of balance. It is recommended to imagine that there are roots growing out of the feet that firmly bind you to the earth
Keep your breathing calm and natural
Unlike other asanas, while practicing the Goddess asana, your eyes should be open because the eyes maintain the balance of your body.
The body does not always react the same! What makes this pose special is that it teaches you to explore your connection with your body. Be honest about your limits and learn to respect what your body needs each day.
Always keep in mind the BASIC TIPS that apply to all yoga postures
Goddess yoga position
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Contraindications, warnings, and precautions:
Recent or chronic injury to the legs, hips, or shoulders.
Pregnant women do not raise their arms above their heads.
Elderly people, too fragile and physically weak, do only gentle variations of this pose.
Advice – Yoga requires attention and patience. No hurry.
Who can do the Goddess pose?
When modified according to age, health, issues, and flexibility levels, the pose can be done by anyone (children, the elderly, people who want to improve concentration, balance, and posture, or strengthen their body…)
INTERESTING FACTS:
Symbolically, Kali represents a significant transformation, a shifting of boundaries. Kali is the essence of freedom and she is the force within that transforms fear and sets you free.
Kali symbolizes the power and strength of feminine energy. The goddess pose is also a part of the Moon Salutation.
