Hi Youthful Yogis,                                                
Wow, I got so relaxed on my Magic Carpet Ride that I almost forgot I have a blog to write! If you haven't listened to "Magic Carpet Ride" yet, head on over to the Youthful Yogis Listening Activities section of this blog, just underneath the Photo Gallery. You can click on the words Magic Carpet Ride to download the track onto your computer. While you're there, try out the Guided Relaxation. You might end up feeling as peaceful as this guy...

Youthful Yogis should mellow out on a carpet or a couch...not on a tree branch!

Now that we're all rested and relaxed, it's time to check out a new yoga pose. I want to share one of my all-time favorite poses with you today called Ardha Chandrasana. In Sanskrit, ardha means half and chandra, literally "shining", is usually translated as moon. In English the pose is called "Half Moon."


Half Moon is a great pose because it stretches and strengthens the body and challenges our balance...all at once! Here is one view of the pose:

Half Moon Pose

And here is another view:

Half Moon with a block

You'll definitely want to warm-up a little before trying Ardha Chandrasana, it's a pretty tricky pose. You can use a wall for support or, like Mr. Faceless Green Guy up there, bring one hand to a yoga block to help keep your body balanced.

To come out of Half Moon, gently lower your foot that is lifted back to the ground. Come up to a standing position and take a few deep breaths; rest for a little bit before you try the second side.

This guy has pointy ears and is missing some clothes...but he does look relaxed!

Here is one reason I love Half Moon Pose: when I'm doing it, I feel like I'm on vacation...it's like flying to a faraway place, and then being really happy to get back home!



I hope you'll have fun trying Half Moon Pose at home, Youthful Yogis. Once you get used to the pose you can even try some variations, like Mr. Bend-o-Rama here...

"Call me Mr. Flexible!"

As always, be safe and get someone to help you, if you like.

I'd love to hang out longer, Youthful Yogis, but I need to go outside for a second....I hear a rustling noise in the trees and I'm just hoping no one got it into their heads to do Magic Carpet Ride on one of the branches!

Have a great day, see you again soon.

Namaste