Get Grounded

I have no shame admitting that I tend to get a little carried away every now and then. Let's be honest, I wouldn't be the Capricious Yogi if I didn't!  In fact, with all the recent transition and activity swirling around me, it's a wonder that I'm not floating amongst the clouds for eternity. I've been up and down and all around. Without yoga and a grounding practice, I can only imagine how much more off kilter I'd be. Grounding. It's that feeling of stepping on my mat, finding my seat, connecting all four corners of my feet that ultimately rejuvenates me. It's the moments when I can take off my shoes and walk barefoot or feel the warm sand between my toes. It's the deliberate focus of energy in my asana that keeps me present. It's the realization that things could be much worse and the thought that what's done is done, and what's to come will come, so be here, be here right now. It's all of these things that make up my sadhana (personal practice) that keeps me steadfast and ready to take on the world. Whenever I feel like life has become one big tizzy, I take extra care to move through a grounding practice.  I try to engage in postures that "force" me to ground down so that I can grow up, gracefully and strong. Some of my favorite asanas include Vrksasana (Tree), Balasana (Child's Pose), Sukhasana (Easy Seated Pose), Adho Mukha Svanasana (Down Dog), Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Pascimottanasana (Seated Forward Fold), Padmasana (Lotus Pose), Utkatasana (Chair Pose), and Virasana (Hero's Pose). Check out ihanuman's glossary of Yoga Asanas to get started! What postures help you to stay grounded?