Tadasana (Mountain Pose) : Yoga Shanti

Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

By Heidi Michel Fokine, April, 2009

“it is through the body that you realize you are a spark of divinity”—BKS Iyengar

Tadasana, mountain pose, the primary standing posture. Stand tall, legs together, spine erect, arms at your sides. That’s it. Tadasana may not seem super challenging, but understanding its essence is vital to mastering other poses. In this foundation posture we aim to cultivate steadiness within ourselves and in relation to the world around us.

Steadiness in the body/mind is about right relationship, not necessarily about gaining control. Stand tall and you will feel the constant shift of weight that is balance. From grounded legs there is a rebound of energy upwards, giving lift to the spine and chest. In the simplicity of this pose we can observe the movement of energy, or prana, inherent in steadiness…in other words, be present and go with the flow.

In the mountain of tadasana the movement of prana gives us a sense of spaciousness and well being. It’s within this sense of well being that the alchemical shift of awareness occurs, the shift from experiencing ourselves as separate from the universe, to being OF it. Soul connection is at the center of every asana. Why not check it out first with two feet on the ground.

This time of year is a great time to get back to basics. Perhaps organize some part of your life that has fallen into disarray, or do a dietary cleanse and most definitely honor your yoga practice by checking in. Much of the reason why we do hatha yoga is to purify and tone our vehicles to accept a higher current of energy, ultimately so that we can sit in meditation and vibe with the light.

As the days grow longer, the outer world can reflect our inner world: stay steady, grounded, feel the earth energy awakening and be the light.

Chant of the month:

om bhur bhuva svah (earth, midworld and heaven)
tat savitur varenyam (let us meditate on the most)
bhargo devasya dhimahi (excellent light of the divine)
dhiyo yo nah pracodayat (sun that it may illuminate our minds)

Heidi Michel Fokine

A daydreamer by nature but not lacking the determination to pursue technique as a means to realize the dream, Heidi studied modern dance at North Carolina School of the Arts, graduating with a BFA in 1981. While working as a professional dancer in New York City she discovered yoga at Jivamukti in 1991, which led her to study in the Iyengar tradition with Genevieve Kapuler and Rodney Yee. She has also studied Light Body energy work and meditation with Diane Goldner, and movement with Martha Yoshida. She is currently studying Q'ero Shamanism with The Four Winds Society and is a full mesa carrier. Heidi acknowledges the influence her wonderful teachers and students have had on her life including her parents, sisters, husband Chris and sons Elias and Wyatt. She has been teaching on Shelter Island since 1995 and at Yoga Shanti in Sag Harbor since 1999 and was part of the faculty of the Yoga Shanti Teacher Training 2009-2014. She leads retreats and offers a 200hr TT at The Giving Room in Southold, NY.