OPENING THE HIPS in balance

Sequence dedicated to the mostly balanced hip opening postures which have a lot of beneficial effects at the same time.

Balance postures tone all muscle groups, they increase physical, mental and emotional balance and promote mental stability because they are stressful and even fun. These postures stimulate self-confidence, independence, and memory.

Balancing postures require physical strength, control of the body's center of gravity, awareness of the supports (support on the ground, gaze support), selective physical relaxation concerning the parts of the body not solicited by the effort, mental letting go which is reflected in particular by a total detachment from the fruit of the action but "presence of mind not disturbed by a will of intention" as fine and subtle as possible. These physical conditions and this particular state of mind cannot be conceived without proper breathing, we must breathe properly. "After inhaling, gently return the breath; for a while, keep it there, there, so the abdominal wall will relax moderately. Then, breathe out fully, as slowly and regularly as possible; again, breathe in sharply and continue in this way, alternating inspiration and expiration, the rhythm of which will slowly establish itself ... "E. Herrigel, Le zen dans l'art chivalresque.

The balanced hip open postures provide a variety of movement in the hip joint. They are a good warm-up and open up muscle groups in the hips such as internal and external rotators, abductors and adductors, and hamstrings. If the postures are externally rotated, the hip flexors are also stretched for the back leg.

Whether the legs are crossed (eg in Garudasana) or not (as in Kapotasana), opening the hips provides relief for people with sciatica or lower back pain as it stretches the back, relaxes the buttocks and legs. This relaxation of the pelvis goes hand in hand with the stabilization of the center and the abdominal muscles.

All of these postures strengthen and warm up the entire body, promote concentration, and are ideal for building stamina and learning alignment. They refocus us by connecting us to the earth and stabilize us.