Practice 3
3 favourite poses to get grounded
Tree pose
Stand with the feet close together on an even surface
Imagine roots growing into the Earth through your right foot. You are grounded and connected to the Earth like a tree
Bend your left knee and rotate it out towards your left, placing your foot to the inside of the right leg. Now you are balancing on your right foot
Breathe
Hands can be supported by a wall or a tree. Or bring them into a prayer, or let them expand outward and upwards like the branches of a tree
Breathing here, imagine the stability of the trees. They are rooted into the Earth yet also expand upwards and outwards - just like you.
Squating
Not everyone can squat, so only enjoy if available in your hips, knees and ankles. I share variations of this inside the Yoga, Movement & Calm for Dog Parents online course.
Squat with ease only. Perhaps bring support under the heels. Or sit on a small stool, yoga blocks or boxes.
As you squat down, feel grounded and open to the Earth. Yet keep the heart light and shoulders relaxed
Breathe the Grounding breath from the previous page. Releasing stress into the Earth
Enjoy the openness in the hips, mobility and strength. Allow this pose to stretch into the lower back and hips for ease and release.
This is a great pose to move up and down from the floor/ground if knees and hips allow. Whether to cuddle your dogs, pick them up, or pick up poo!
Downward-facing dog (or human - you!)
You don’t need your hands on the ground for this variation. And you can do it on your walk to stretch your legs and back. Or to catch your breath. Perfect after a long hike or run with your dogs.
I love the hands-on-the-tree variation as it feels even more grounding and relaxing to connect with Nature! But you can use a bench, table or even a wall.
Stand with your feet hip or shoulder distance apart. Toes pointing forward
Hinge at the hips so the back remains in a neutral position. Feel free to bend the knees to accommodate the ease of the back
Bring your hands to the support (wall, tree...). Keep the arms straight, back neutral and allow the knee to bend when needed
Hands firmly on the support, feet grounded, imagine your pelvis stretching away from the arms and sitting bones away from the feet.
Breathe slowly and relaxed, enjoying the stretch.
This is such a great stretch for the legs and the back - even the arms. It is also grounding and offers stability and a sense of calm
