Observing Posture

We probably have all been told at one point or another that good posture is one of the keys to physical health. But we rarely think about our own posture or observe others' postures.
Today, sit in a public place and watch people's posture as they walk, sit, and stand. What do you see? Are there patterns that emerge when you watch a variety of people?
In particular, note the relationship of the head to the spine. Is the head balanced naturally on the neck, or does it lean forward? Are the ears directly over the shoulders or forward of them? What effect might this have on someone's back and neck muscles?
Sometimes observation is the first step toward change. Now that you've seen how this slumped posture can cause pain in the body, consider walking taller with an erect spine and your shoulders rolled back and down.


Here are some common Yoga poses that will help improve our posture

Mountain Pose (Tadasana - "tah-DAHS-anna") Practiced as a starting position for our standing poses, in between standing poses, or by itself to improve posture

Upward Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana - "OORD-vah MOO-kah shvon-AHS-anna") ~ Practiced many times during our Sun Salutations

Camel (Ustrasana - "oosh-TRAHS-anna") ~ Our kneeling backbend

Fish (Matsyasana - "mot-see-AHS-anna") ~ We use Fish as a counter-pose to Plow and Shoulder Stand

Locust (Salambhasana - "sha-la-BAHS-anna") ~ Grouped among the so-called “baby backbends,” it is an unassuming pose that, like other seemingly simple poses, is actually a lot more interesting and challenging than it appears at first glance.

Staff (Dandasana - "dan-DAHS-anna") ~ It might look easy, but there's more to Staff Pose than meets the eye.