Balasana – The Child’s Pose
By Joy Abrams

Balasana suggests bowing or offering up all of your parts. Bowing is considered demeaning in the west. However, this pose in its original context was considered an act of dignity. It expresses honoring all that is pure in the human condition. Inherent in this posture is an attitude of loving intention and devotion to something that is greater than us.

This pose is a forward bend. In doing this pose your attention is drawn inward. Your back is rounded and your eyes close as your forehead comes down. Your outer awareness turns inward toward your chest, and you make contact with your heart center.

To practice Balasana:
Come onto your hands and knees.
Separate your knees wider than your hips.
Move your hips back toward your feet.
Keep your hips as low as possible as you walk your hands forward so that they stand out straight.
Separate your fingers and let your hands touch the floor.
Inhale and exhale in this position ten times.
Use your hand to slowly lift yourself up to the original beginning position.

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