Natarajasana, नटराजासन, Naṭarājāsana: Lord of the Dance Pose
Natarajasana is my favourite posture. The name comes from the Sanskrit words nata meaning “dancer”, raja meaning “king” and asana meaning “posture” or “seat”.
Nataraja is one of the names given to the Hindu God Shiva in his form as the cosmic dancer. (From Wikipedia)
So why not capture my favourite pose in some of my favourite places…. Stay tuned as I continue to add to this blog…..
This is me after having a fun surf at Smith Beach, Phillip Island. Two of my favourite things, surfing, feeling the Flow of Mother Nature, riding the waves and whilst waiting for waves being content noticing my breath, feeling the soft movement of the ocean under the board, enjoying the meditation. Sometimes I practice Yoga before a surf, depending on the time and tides, helping my body and mind prepare for the Ocean. And then I love to follow a surf with a gentle stretch out and mediation to reflect on what a beautiful lifestyle I choose to live.
Another favourite place, now second home of mine, Ladkah, India. This stunning part of the world is surrounded by the snow capped Himalayas providing majestic backdrops everywhere you look. The local people, Ladakhi’s, are some of the kindest, genuine, loving people I have ever met.
“Julley” we say to greet, to thank and to wish goodbye. Breathtaking environment, rich culture, grounded Spiritualality resonates through all the villages, and the thin High Altiutde air (once acclimatised) can be some of the cleanest you will ever breathe.
Although not entirely Natarajasana, this Dancer’s Pose, a leap Jete is very clearly similar to the Yoga Posture. It also involves length of the lower leg hamstrings, extension through the hip of the raised leg, open and stretch through the chest and shoulder and a strong focus and determination, whilst remaining soft and graceful in the pose.
So How do you practice Natarajasana?
Beginning in Tadasana (Mountain pose) Extend your leg behind and same arm as leg, bend the knee and take hold of the inside of the foot. Reach your opposite arm up and then as you breathe in start to lift the chest and the leg. As you lift the leg up, your upper body will come forward to counter balance. Try not to drop the chest and body. You can come into a mudra by joining the index finger to thumb, or as you see in the lowest picture, take hold of the foot with both hands for the progression. Make sure you use the bundhas, the internal locks so that you support the back and not collapse into the lumbar spine. Always take care of the body and maintain an even deep breath.
Meanwhile here are a couple more shots from some random adventures:
This is in Hampi, India, one of the World Heritage Listed sites, a truly unique, awe-inspiring long lost wonder…
This is in Leh Ladakh. At approx. 3,500 metres above sea level, practicing Yoga is to be done with caution and only once the body has properly acclimatised. 
