By Lissa (Yogyananda) Fountain, Yogaratna

My favorite go-to standing pose is Trikonasana, Triangle Pose. It brings the openings of a spinal sequence into a dynamic verticality. 

First, Tadasana, then into Trikonasana. Once “I’m in,” I feel steady, secure and joyful. While leaning my heels into the floor, I’m grounded and expansive at the same time. 

Trikonasana gives me stamina and inner strength. It’s a feeling that I can rise above it all, while fully participating in every moment. When I’m finished, my legs and hips swing in perfect coordination as I cruise along. 

I like that a triangle is the strongest engineering construction. In Trikonasana, I can feel my body counterbalancing its weight.  I sculpt a series of modest triangles through the space around me. My legs and arm provide a base of support. Then my bottom hip slides under my top hip.  Gurudevi says it takes a good 10 years to really get this pose. Well, I’m in my 27^th Svaroopa^® yoga year, so I’m going for it!

Sometimes, if I’m feeling tight, I’ll use a chair and block under my supporting arm. My spine gets even more of a lift this way: creating more space for my vertebrae. But the free standing Trikonasana I can do anytime, anywhere. I’ll do it in my kitchen for a cooking break. Or on the beach while gazing at the sky. Such freedom!

Once I’m balanced, I slowly turn my head to look at my hand. In that moment, the bliss of my own Beingness arises through my spine. My head and heart are connected. It feels like I’m flying, while being grounded and settled in my bones.  Trikonasana: a pose worth ”getting”!