Today we practice the Salutation Seal and Locust Yoga Pose.

Salutation Seal Yoga Pose

This Salutation Seal pose, also known as Anjali Mudra, is an excellent way to encourage a meditative state of awareness. Start your practice by sitting for 5 minutes. This hand position can also be used as you are standing prior to beginning the Sun Salutation sequence.

The Salutation or the Anjali Mudra can be done in a standing or sitting pose

• First, inhale while bringing your palms together and rest your thumbs lightly on your breast bone (sternum) in the center
• Next press your palms and fingers firmly and evenly together. Realize that one hand tends to be dominant, (if you are right-handed, your right hand will be stronger and the same if you are left hand, your left hand will dominate).
• If there is an imbalance of strength, then adjust the pressure toward equal sensation.
• Bow your head just slightly and draw your neck toward the center of your head.
• Lift your sternum pressing toward your thumbs and down along the back of your upper arms all the way to your armpits to make your elbows hang heavy downward.

Benefits

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Calms the brain
• Creates flexibility in the hands, fingers, wrists, and arms
• Opens the heart

Locust Yoga Pose

Salabhasana or Locust Pose effectively preps beginners for deeper backbends, strengthening the back of the torso, legs, and arms.

• Lie on your belly, with the chin on the floor, legs together and arms alongside the body, 45 degrees away from the sides, with the palms down.
• Pull up the knee caps, squeeze the thighs and buttocks, engage Mula Bandha, and press the pubic bone down into the floor.
• Inhale and lift the legs, head, chest, and arms off of the floor. Reach out through the fingers, toes, and crown of the head. Keep the neck in line with the spine.
• Drop the shoulders down and back and press the chest forward. Keep the legs, buttocks, and Mula bandha strong, and keep the pubic bone pressing down into the floor.
• Breathe and hold for 2-6 breaths.
• To release: exhale and slowly lower the chest, head, arms, and legs to the floor. Turn the head to one side, slide the arms alongside your body, and rest. Rock the hips from side to side to release any tension in the low back.

Benefits of the Locust Pose

• Strengthens the muscles of the spine, buttocks, and backs of the arms and legs
• Stretches the shoulders, chest, belly, and thighs
• Improves posture
• Stimulates abdominal organs
• Helps in relieving stress

Salutation Seal and Locust Yoga Pose help you get into a meditative state, improve your mental state, and prepare you for more complex yoga poses.