The Uncarved Block of Tadasana

Tadasana, or the mountain pose, is the “uncarved block” of your yoga asana practice. It is from this posture that all other poses and actions arise and return. Perhaps second only to shavasana in importance, it is critically important that you find your tadasana, strong and rooted, and disturb this posture as little as possible.

Yes, we are speaking somewhat metaphorically here, but there is also an element of practicality—no matter what shape or form your body takes, look for aspects of your tadasana there, and breathe into this. You may be engaged in your most beautiful pinky-finger handstand with scorpion legs, and yet even here, you are working to maintain as many elements of your tadasana as possible (soles of the feet, the smooth breath).

Physically, tadasana begins with the rooting of the feet. Lift the toes, spreading them wide and replacing them mindfully on the mat. Engage the legs, hugging the muscles of the upper and lower leg to the bones. Strengthen the abdomen, focusing specifically on the lowest part of the belly, creating a slight and subtle uddiyanda bandha. Drop the tail bone as you draw the pelvic floor up, engaging, as always mulabanha. Chest and shoulders are open and broad, with the chin tucked slightly in and down to elongate the very top of the spinal column. Relax the jaw, the tongue, and the forehead, and invite the breath to lengthen.

During your standing asana practice, try returning to tadasana as smoothly and fully as possible after each posture. Can you resume tadasana and take one or two full breaths before readjusting, shaking out legs or arms, or wiggling? This is an excellent way to efficiently relax and restore you body and energy, cultivating your ability to move from complete engagement to complete relaxation effortlessly.

Finally, can you bring tadasana off the mat and into your everyday life? What is the difference between standing in tadasana in the yoga studio and standing in line at the market? Can you bring this level of consciousness to all your “standing postures” in life?