Aligning with the Intention of Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

(by Laura) To align in the pose is to align with the intention. The intention of this pose is to be strongly grounded at the same time being open to the world, just like a mountain. To fully realize the intention of this pose, you need a balance between being strongly grounded and feeling lifted. The balance is tricky. In studying this pose this month with my students and in my own practice, I have come to suspect that we all have a tendency to do more of one than the other and that these tendencies show up in other areas of our life as well. Learning which one you do can help you balance yourself in other poses and other areas of your life as well. This theory is in its initial stages so I would love to hear your opinions! Do these descriptions fit for you? If so, how and if not, why?

When the tendency is toward being grounded, without enough lift to counterbalance, the feeling is heaviness, almost like being in a hole. People who tend toward groundedness are solid physically and emotionally (whether it is positive or negative emotion, they are solid!) They often very practical and find themselves viewing life through “reality”. It is difficult for them to dream big and feel deep joy. In yoga, the deeply grounded people are strong in standing poses and can feel their feet well. They have a harder time getting those feet off the ground for handstand, though! They also have a harder time getting a lift in their heart.

When the tendency is toward a strong lift without a countering groundedness, the feeling is of lightness. These people feel less grounded and you may feel like you need to hurry to keep up with them. The tend to change emotions quickly and can enter a room like they are flying. They can hope around topics quickly. People who tend toward lifting are excitable, often projecting themselves into the future. In yoga poses they don’t have a strong sense of their feet and their hearts are so lifted they bring their ribs along with them. Inversions are easy for this group because the feet just fly off the floor.

Where are you? Do you feel a strong ground or a good lift? I have heard that strong grounding can feel as if you are in a hole. I have a strong lift and recently discovered my lift is so strong, I actually grip the tops of my feet to get even more up. When I began to release my feet, I could feel myself go down. (To feel my feet, I stand in the shower so the spray can hit the tops of my feet.) Tell me about you! Does my theory fit you?