Triangle Pose: Integrity Over Form in Gentle Yoga

In this Mindful Monday, let’s look at the world of yoga postures, focusing on the intricacies of the Triangle Pose aka Trikonasana. Often hailed as one of the more complex yoga postures, the Triangle Pose can challenge even the most seasoned practitioner. As we look into Triangle today, I want you to remember that in yoga, it's not about the final form but the journey—how the pose feels is more important than how it looks.

You might have seen others in class or on social media perfectly poised in their Triangle Pose with their fingertips on the floor. And because of this beautiful image in your mind, you think the goal is to recreate that in your own body and find a way for your fingers to touch the floor. But, remember, yoga is not about mimicking the picture-perfect semblances we conjure in our minds. It's about maintaining integrity and alignment within the posture so that it supports both your body and mind.

How many times have you gone into a pose trying to make it "look right"? We've all been tempted to bend the knees or curve the spine, aiming to reach the ground. However, this often leads us away from the true benefits of the pose.

In today’s Mindful Monday, I want to give you a simple tool to aid you in experiencing the real essence of Triangle Pose? Meet your best friend: the wall. The wall can be an incredible prop in your practice for many poses and certainly for Triangle Pose.

By practicing with the back of your body pressed against a wall, including your glutes, shoulders, and head, you’re encouraged to maintain that beautiful, straight alignment. With the wall's support, lift your arms and feel the stretch while keeping your legs elongated and your spine upright. This method allows you to notice the nuanced shifts in your posture and truly feel the stretch in your body. In this position, you're not just creating a shape; you're embracing an experience.

I often say in class, "Yoga isn’t about how it looks; it’s about how it feels." And this couldn’t be more true for Triangle Pose. By focusing on maintaining the integrity of straight legs and a lengthy spine, rather than reaching the floor, you are honoring your body’s current state and progressing mindfully.

Why not make it a point this week to embrace this approach? Take a few moments for yourself to stand against your wall and experience the Triangle Pose in this new way. Breathe deeply, feel the stretch, and allow your body to tell you its own story.

The practice of gentle yoga is for everybody, and it’s all about finding a balance that respects your body’s needs.

Ready to explore more yoga postures with integrity and mindfulness? Visit our class calendar to see when you can join an in-person or online Gentle Yoga class. Embrace the mantra that it's all about feeling rather than performing.