Dance of Destruction

One of my favorite yoga postures is Natarajasana. Nataraj is a name for the God Shiva or the King of Dancers. Asana means seat or posture. The posture symbolises Shiva dancing the ‘cosmic dance’.

Shiva is the God of destruction. This may sound very hard and not at all divine. But when things get weary, stuck, unhealthy or blocked then it needs to be demolished to make space for new exciting and healthy experiences and creations. The Cosmic Dance, or Ananda Tandava, symbolises the cosmic cycle of destruction and creation. The necessity of letting go of what is no longer needed to make space for the new.

In this dance Shiva, or Nataraj, crushes and destroys a demon representing ignorance. Shiva is a fierce warrior God, the God of death, destruction as well as of dancing. Calm and gentle expressions as well fierce powerful dances to the loud beating of drums.

Listen to the music of your gentle breath, the sound of the birds, the wind or put on your favorite tunes be it Mozart, Indian Kirtan or Lady Gaga whatever inspires your Cosmic Dance.

Let’s go dancing

Stand in your standing posture (Tadasana), feet parallel and body straight. Bend your right knee and let your foot moving it towards your right buttock. Keep your knees hip distance or together. Grab hold of you right foot, ankle or trouser leg with your right hand and bring your left hand to the sky. Now dance your dance staying focused and balanced if slightly wobbly. Optionally you can press your right foot into your hand and away from your buttock. And lift your chest into a gently backbend. Enjoy the creativity and play of your Natarajasana.

The pose is graceful, balances the nervous system, creates balance physically and mentally as well as strengthening the legs and works the spine.

As with all asana practices do see a qualified yoga teacher and if you have any health issues or medical conditions speak to your health advisor. Pregnant ladies – take it super easy and stay in the first variation.

Posted March 14, 2011