Balancing poses require concentration and awareness, which is basically the main focus of yoga. They can be scary, frustrating and difficult, but that's also what makes them the most rewarding. It feels amazing to work on a balancing pose for a while, and then finally get it.

Working on easier balancing poses such as this one called Balancing Wide Legs, can also prepare your mind and muscles for more advanced balancing poses such as Crow and Handstand.

This pose not only challenges your balance, but it stretches out the backs of your legs and lower back as well, and also strengthens your upper body. So let's give it a try.

• Begin sitting on your mat.



• Bend your knees and grab onto your big toes with your first 2 fingers and thumb.
• Work on lifting your feet off the ground, balancing on your tush - you've got to lean back slightly in order to find your balance.
• Then you can work on straightening your legs. You can use your arm muscles and pull your chest slightly forward to help lengthen through your spine (you don't want your back to be rounded).
• Now try dropping your head back, gazing up towards the ceiling or behind you.
• Stay here for 5 or more complete breaths.

That's it. Have fun working on staying balanced - it's an incredible feeling once you're up.