My last blog post talked about Savasana and the emotions it can bring out of any yogi. I read your feedback on the post, and a lot of you mentioned holding tightness and stress in your hips during difficult times, and that when you're able to find release, you feel at ease and peace.
I thought I'd dig deeper into this topic and find out: do we hold tension in our hips? The answer is yes—our hips don't lie.
Our hips subconsciously act like diaries where we hide our biggest fears and worries.
Have you ever gotten into an argument with someone and realized days later you were tight and uneven? Yup, that's right. Your argument stored up in your body and hips for you to carry around until you find a release.
Remember when I referred to our bodies being complex temples? Well, these bodies of ours truly are, and when dealing with the hips, we can practice our hip opening asanas, sending messages to our central nervous system (CNS) and giving our brains a friendly reminder that we're going to be "ok."
Here are my top three hip openers to promote release and healing.
1. Reclined Cobbler Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)
Credit: Taylor HarknessLying straight on your back, bring the heels of your feet together and open your hips to the sky. Make sure your back is planted firmly on the earth and relaxed. Place one hand on your hearts and the other on your stomach. Breathe and let go.
Each time you breathe out, relax your hips more while repeating your favorite mantra. This is a great calming restorative pose.
2. Goddess Squat Pose
Credit: Anna CoventryWhat greater way to find strength and peace than in mighty Goddess Pose? Start in Mountain and let your hands rest comfortably on your hips. Step your feet about 3 or 4 feet apart, and turn your toes to face the corners of your mat. On an exhale bend your knees and lower your hips to a squat.
Bring your hands to prayer pose, align your spine, and breath open your chest. Stay here for about 10 breaths and imagine that negative energy leaving your body.
3. Pigeon Pose
Most of us love a good Pigeon Pose and this is a top asana when it comes to hip openers. Start in a relaxed Downward Dog and bring your right knee to the floor outside your right hand, while relaxing your left leg down to the floor.
Find length in your left leg and square off your hips to the front of your mat. With each breath, sink lower into the pose, and even try to fold fully over the right leg. Repeat with the opposite legs.
What are some of your favorite hip openers? I hope these help you to find comfort and release from your everyday stressors!
by Denise Casagrande – Denise is a practicing yogi who lives in Manasquan NJ, who enjoys all things positive and free. Through yoga and meditation, she has found a new outlook on life, and is enjoying every second of it. Connect with her on Twitter and Instagram.
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