Mandi on Mindfulness: Child's Pose

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There is a host of things to be said of posture.  Many stories in scripture have little nuggets that are easy to breeze by that have to do with people’s bodies and the position they are in.  Like, when Jesus fed the 5,000 with the couple of fish and bread loafs.  “…and Jesus told the people to sit down on the grass…” (Matt 14:19).  They were in a posture from which they could receive. 

Child’s pose is a pose holding sacrament. Meaning. Mysticism even.  It’s a turning in. Withdrawing from the things around you that your senses tend to run after like little rabbit trails.  It helps quiet you, turn you inward toward the dark quiet place you can be still and know.  Try placing your container (body) in different places as you practice the Presence of God.  Focus on your breath when your mind wanders.  And practice posture that poises you for rest and receiving.

Child’s Pose

1.    Kneel down on the floor and touch your big toes to each other as you sit on your heels. Once you are comfortable, spread your knees hip-width apart. Inhale.
2.    Bend forward and lay your torso between your thighs as you exhale.
3.    Now, broaden the sacrum all across the back of the pelvis, and narrow the points of your hip such that they point towards the navel. Settle down on the inner thighs.
4.    Stretch the tailbone away from the back of the pelvis as you lift the base of your head slightly away from the back of the neck.
5.    Stretch your arms forward and place them in front of you, such that they are in line with your knees. Release the fronts of your shoulder to the floor. You must feel the weight of the front shoulders pulling the blades widely across your back.
6.    Since this asana is a resting pose, you can stay in the pose from anywhere between 30 seconds to a few minutes.
7.    To release the asana, first stretch the front torso. Then, breathe in and lift from the tailbone while it pushes down into the pelvis.

Precautions and Contraindications
These are some points of caution to take into consideration before you do this asana.
1.    If you find it difficult or uncomfortable to place your head on the floor, you can use a pillow or a block for comfort.
2.    If you are uncomfortable in your knees, try tucking a blanket or block behind your knees
3.    It is best to avoid doing this asana if you are suffering from diarrhea or knee injuries.
4.    Patients with high blood pressure must avoid practicing this asana.


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