Goddess Pose

How to

1. Stand with your feet wide apart, about 3-4 feet, and turn your toes out to 45 degrees.
2. Bend your knees deeply, lowering your hips toward the level of your knees, ensuring your knees are aligned over your ankles.
3. Engage your core by drawing your navel in and up, and tuck your tailbone slightly to lengthen your lower back.
4. Extend your arms out to the sides at shoulder height, then bend your elbows to 90 degrees with palms facing forward, resembling a cactus shape.
5. Keep your shoulders relaxed and away from your ears, broadening through the collarbones.
6. Focus your gaze (drishti) forward, keeping your chin parallel to the ground.
7. Inhale deeply through the nose, maintaining engagement in your legs and core, and exhale slowly, feeling grounded.
8. To exit, straighten your legs on an inhale, bring your arms down by your sides, and step your feet together.

Benefits

• Strengthens the legs, particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, and inner thighs.
• Opens and stretches the hips and chest, enhancing flexibility in these areas.
• Engages and tones the core and lower back, supporting spinal alignment.
• Improves balance and stability, fostering a sense of grounding.
• Can reduce stress and tension through mindful breathing and focus, promoting a calming effect.