- By Dean Telano
Kind Karma Rahini Yoga®: Archer Pose 1, Drawing the Bow
Archer 1 Pose, Drawing the Bow, is one of the main standing postures in Rahini Yoga®. It's performed as a pose in and of itself and as part of the "Rahini Yoga Asana Flow".
Drawing the imaginary bowstring, aiming the arrow and releasing it - letting the arrow go - imparts the Archer with opportunity to let go and trust the flow of life. Hence, this Rahini Yoga® Pose imparts vigor, vitality, self empowerment and an internal locus of control - awakening one's internal alignment with the present moment and outside influences.
Archer 1 Pose, Drawing the Bow
Archer Pose, Drawing the Bow #1: Step-By-Step Instruction
Bring the left foot forward so that the feet are approximately 2-3 feet apart. The toes of the left foot face forward while the right foot comes to a 45 degree angle (our variations allow for a 90 degree angle), with the heel back and anchored, and the toes forward. Alignment Tip: Avoid gripping the toes; instead, imagine you are gently pressing buttons on the floor with them.
The right leg remains straight and strong as the left knee bends until the thigh is almost parallel to the ground (do not let the knee go beyond the toes). Although the feet are apart, the right heel is directly aligned with the left heel (refer to the above photo and the feet placement on the alignment mat). Check your posture so you are not leaning forward. Alignment Tip #1: Apply BRACE, and lengthen the tailbone to the floor - your spine should be straight with the head over your tailbone. Alignment Tip #2: Be sure the heel of the back foot does not lift off the floor.
The left arm is extended forward, parallel to the ground. The left hand is in a fist with the thumb over the fingers and pointing upward. The right arm is bent, parallel to the floor and pulled back like pulling on a bowstring. Alignment Tip: Feel a stretch along your chest, as you pull the right arm backward.
Curl the fingers of both hands onto the palms, thumbs extended upward, and then gently pulled back. Fix your gaze and attention - Drishti, on the thumb of your left hand, avoiding neck strain as you do so. Alignment Tip #1: If possible, perform a gentle neck lock (Jalandhara Bandha). Alignment Tip #2: Optional - Tips of your fingers curl to the base of the fingers - the hands are not in a full fist because your palms are opened.
Release out of the posture, reverse sides, and repeat.
Additional Rahini Yoga® Alignment Tips
Apply the "3 Roots of Rahini Yoga®" during the pose.
Check in with your "BRACE" as you hold the pose or dynamically move - "Dynamic Archer 1 Pose, Drawing the Bow".
B.R.A.C.E. during Archer 1 Pose, Drawing the Bow
Mindfully move the bottom of the sacrum and tailbone forward. This is a small shift compared to excessively "tucking your tailbone" (we don't want to do that).
Engage your abdominals by pulling your belly button toward your spine. Keep your pelvic floor muscles energetically active.
Roll your shoulders back and down, engaging right between the shoulder blades.
R.A.P. during the Archer 1 Pose, Drawing the Bow (RAP is Technique Specific to Rahini Yoga®)
Physical
Opening of your physical "heart space".
Freedom of your diaphragm (learn to coordinate the movements of your body with the breath so the diaphragm can provide important feedback about the physical space you have created for it).
The interplay of strength and mobility of you mid-back, thoracic spine (the workhorse and backbone of your heart and lungs!)
Your breath: a physical awareness of your breath will create an energetic awareness of the vitality of your breath - "breath delight".
Energetic
Inner and outer radiance - your "personal source magick".
Connectivity of your own innate personal power. Reclaim it, if needed.
Healing Effect
Magical Windhorses (Vayus/Pranas).
Has a healing effect on all Five Magical Windhorses.
Physical & Mental Body
Helps to release "stuck stress" in the body that manifests itself in blockages, chronic pain, tension, and rigidity (a form of "stubbornness") in the joints, fascia or connective tissue.
Builds physical stamina in the legs, arms and shoulders.
Opens the hips, allowing for deep core strength potential.
Increases leg bone density. Archer 1 Pose is a great posture for "bone health", especially if practiced dynamically ("Dynamic Archer 1 Pose, Drawing the Bow").
Heats and invigorates the body; reduces fatigue or sluggishness.
Helps to normalizes the thyroid gland (the thyroid gland keeps your metabolism under control).
Builds posture and midline orientation and awareness.
Deep breathing, correct posture alignment and heightened mindfulness helps to increase lung capacity and alleviate disturbances of Lung Qi.
Balances and strengthens the nervous system.
Builds navel power, courage, self-esteem, steadiness, and "core-confidence".
Increases mental focus, strengthens concentration and clears the mind.
Energy Body
Opens the Lung Meridian and stimulates the upper and lower body energy channels.
Balances and strengthens the electromagnetic field or aura.
Opens energy channels and activates the chakras:
The leg position works on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd chakras.
The arm position and stretch along the chest works on the 4th (heart) chakra.
The turned head works on the 5th or throat chakra.
The particular eye gaze and powerful breathing works on the 6th (intuitive) and 7th (crown) chakras.
Jalandhara Bandha (Throat Lock):
Directs the energy of the central channel, preventing the energy from dispersing to other areas of the body.
Seals the energy generated by the areas of the brain stem.
Activates and energizes the 5th chakra.
Regulates the circulatory and respiratory systems; normalizes the thyroid.
Helps improve your capacity to focus.
Contraindications: Low or high blood pressure; breathing problems; neck injuries; vertigo; heart disease.
Caution: Do not tense any part of the neck, tilt it to the side, or strain to force the chin to the chest.
Breathing
Holding the Pose: Long Deep Breathing or Breath of Fire for 1-3 minutes.
Moving Dynamically ("Dynamic Archer 1 Pose, Drawing the Bow"): Ujjayi Breath or substitute normal breathing.
Therapeutically: Breath Practice will Vary.
Rahini Observations
In Rahini Yoga, we believe if you are not clear when setting an intention in this particular posture, it will lessen your inner power and strength. Make your intention and then aim and shoot your arrow!
Just Some Class Intentions We Use when Aiming the Arrow at the Bullseye (or, "hitting your mark"):
One's individual faults, shortcomings or negative behaviors.
Insight, understanding, wisdom or enlightenment.
A solution to a troubling dilemma or an answer to a question you might have.
Stress, tension, agitation, anxiety or depression.
Impermanence.
Improved health, energy, vitality and longevity.
Abundance or prosperity.
Peace, joy or happiness.
Negative thoughts, selfishness, jealously, pride or attachment.
World harmony, collaboration, peace or respect.
Breaking free from addiction.
Forgiveness.
SEVA or charity.
Compassion towards animals.
Building confidence or self esteem.
Stop gossiping.
Your Personal Truth.
PTA: Patience, Tolerance, Acceptance.
Motivate, Empower, Inspire: (Měi: Beauty)
Your life purpose.
Healing the Earth.
Divine Source.
KIND KARMA® - A Global Movement of Creating Loving Kindness.
Variation of Archer 1 Pose, Drawing the Bow
Back Hand with Fingers Clenched into the Palm,
Without the Thumb Pointing Upward
Archer 1 Pose, Drawing the Bow Modification
Arms Lowered & Slightly Bent Front Leg
"The Kind Karma Chakra Ladder Of Ascension"
Together, Let's Walk in the
Rainbow Light of Compassion,
Wisdom & Loving Kindness
"Kind Karma® A Global Movement of Inspiring Others to Create & Manifest Daily Kindness"
Disclaimer
This blog post is not a substitute for conventional medical diagnosis or treatment for any medical or psychological condition. It is not intended as a replacement or substitute for medical treatment from a health care provider for any medical or psychological condition, nor should it be used as such. For such issues, you should seek the proper treatment from a licensed physician or healthcare professional. Be sure to consult your physician before starting this or any other exercise program.
© 2019. All Rights Reserved. Dean Telano.
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