The Shifting Weight Balance Pose

The Shifting Weight Balance Pose of Yoga is an acrobatic pose. But do not let the word ‘acrobatic’ dissuade you from doing this pose. Unless you suffer from any wrist, elbow or shoulder ailment or injury, you can go ahead and do this pose. Being young and agile will help you to learn this pose faster. There are examples of person having started doing this pose from their youth and have continued doing so in the advanced years. It is habit and practice that helps in such cases.

This pose which is quite similar to the Mayurasana, or the Peacock pose of yoga, requires you to be on all fours to begin with. Move your left leg forward and place your left foot alongside your left palm. Stiffen the muscles of your arms and ensure that your shoulders, elbows and wrists are aligned in a straight line.

Place your palms flat on the mat and spread the fingers to reveal the web between them. This gives you a firm base as you proceed to do the following steps. Now slide your left foot forward and stretch your right foot backwards. While keeping your right foot on the floor, try to place your left leg (at the knee) on your left shoulder.

Lower your chest as close to the floor as is possible, without resting it on the floor. When you do this, you will have to bend your arms from the elbows. Shift your weight towards your chest and lower your torso and rest it on your upper arms and elbows.

Hold your balance and lift your right foot off the floor. You are now balanced only on your palms and arms. Pause at this stage for between three to five breaths, or as long as you find it comfortable, and then exit this pose.

To exit this pose, lower your outstretched right foot to the floor and place your right knee and foot on the floor. Withdraw your left foot and bring it alongside your right leg to get back into a position of being on all fours and then get up. Repeat these steps by interchanging the position of your legs.

Sources:

Shifting Weight Balance Pose Arm Balances in Advanced Yoga

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEPWtGN-oXc&NR=1

Advanced Arm Balance Yoga Poses

http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_9_advanced-arm-balance-yoga-poses.html

Advanced Arm Balance Yoga Poses

http://en.kendincos.net/video-dpnnnrhv-advanced-arm-balance-yoga-poses-arm-pressure-pose-arm-balances-in-advanced-yoga.html