RAVI DIXIT IS THE MAN ON THE MAT
Peacock Pose (Mayurasana)
Mayurasana, or Peacock Pose, is great for developing control, confidence, and motivation in your yoga practice
Benefits
Mayurasana, for me represents the power of yoga. It can really help to develop control, confidence, and motivation for your yoga practice. When I practice this asana I feel like I’m able to do anything.
- Strengthens the muscles of the whole body and develops muscular control.
- Stimulates blood circulation and the metabolism.
- Massages the abdominal organs, can relieve digestive issues and improve the function of the liver and kidneys.
- Develops mental and emotional balance.
Note: It’s recommended this asana is practiced by those who are already quite fit and healthy; I would not advise it to anyone who is suffering from weakness in the body or recovering from serious illness.
Common Mistakes
- Placing the arms and hands too far apart. The hands should be close together and the upper arms should be on the side of the ribs with the elbows squeezing together.
- Straining or holding the breath. Relax, soften your belly and exhale while raising the body from the floor, inhale while lowering the body down.
- In the final position the weight of the body should be supported by the muscles of the abdomen, not the chest.
Tips
This asana may not be as difficult as it looks; most men naturally have the upper body strength, it’s just a matter of finding the balance and keeping your confidence.
Others may find this asana more difficult to perform.
First start practicing with raising just one leg.
Once you feel comfortable and stable with one leg up, see if you can keep your balance while slowly raising the other.
It’s easy to fall forward so when first practicing this asana you can start with placing a brick under your forehead as support.
Awareness
Physical awareness: on the pressure on the abdomen and on maintaining balance.
Spiritual awareness: on the Manipura chakra (solar plexus).
Ravi Dixit is an Indian yoga teacher and founder of Ravi Yoga Resort, living between London and Goa. Visit: ravi.yoga or find him on Instagram @raviyoga_goa
Photo: Richard Pilnick (yogaphotography.com)
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