Mountain Pose
Mountain Pose (Taddasana) is another foundational pose in yoga. All Sun Salutations begin with this, particularly the version known as Equal Standing (Samastitihi), with the hands in prayer position. It symbolizes grounded readiness. Many dismiss this position as easy; it is just standing there, after all. However, there is a lot going on if one is truly mastering the pose. Emulating a mountain, the upper part of the body reaches into the sky (rib cage away from the pelvis, crown of the head lifted), as the lower part grounds toward the Earth, the weight equally distributed on the four corners of the feet, with the feet hip width apart. The inner thighs spiral in and back with the tailbone pointed down so as to straighten the spine. We are relaxed and still and yet alert and ready for action, our body a line of energy connecting Earth and Sky. Mountain Pose is a wonderful way to enter the present moment and begin a yoga practice, as well as to improve posture and balance. During and after practice, Mountain Pose helps to integrate the benefits of other asanas. Extending the arms overhead provides added benefits – stretching the side body, the spine, shoulders, armpits and belly, toning the thighs, and opening the chest, making it easier to breathe fully.
Jenny in classic Mountain Pose, palms facing forward (Tadasana) near the summit of Mount Tzouhalem, Vancouver Island, B.C. This is a simple grounding pose with a lot going on (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny in Mountain Pose (Taddasana) on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (19,341 feet or 5895 metres above sea level) in Tanzania. It seemed like the most appropriate pose to do. It was also all she could muster the energy to do after climbing the last 4000 feet from 1:30am to 7:30am by the light of the full moon and then the dawning sun.(Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny in Equal Standing (Samastitihi), along with her husband, Ian Hatter, and their Assistant Guide, Raymond Stephen Kayama, on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (19,341 feet or 5895 metres above sea level) in Tanzania, Africa, January 26, 2013, 7:30am. (Photo by Willibard Peter, Chief Guide, Zara Tours).
Jenny in Equal Standing Pose with hands in prayer position (Samastitihi) near the summit of Mount Tzouhalem, Vancouver Island, B.C. (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny in Mountain Pose with Extended Hands (Utthita Hasta in Tadasana), also called Upward Salute (Urdhva Hastasana) atop Mount Cokely, Vancouver Island, B.C.
Ian Hatter in Mountain Pose with arms extended overhead, palms together (Utthita Hasta in Tadasana) at home on the deck, Victoria, B.C. (Photo by Jenny Feick).
Jenny in Mountain Pose with arms extended overhead, palms parallel (Utthita Hasta in Tadasana) near the summit of Mount Tzouhalem, Vancouver Island, B.C. (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny in Mountain Pose with arms extended overhead, palms together (Utthita Hasta in Tadasana) near the summit of Mount Tzouhalem, Vancouver Island, B.C. (Photo by Ian Hatter).
