Salabhasana

Salabhasana (locust pose) is a form of back bend, or spine stretch, using the strength of the upper and middle back to lift the weight of the legs as high as possible from a starting position face down on the floor. Most people find Salabhasana to be a very “strong” i.e. difficult and challenging posture to practice, and as such it not only improves flexibility and coordination, but also has strength and stamina benefits. 

When I began my Bikram Yoga practice two and a half years ago, this was my least favorite of the 26 poses. I found myself fidgeting, repositioning my hands in an attempt to buy myself more time before entering and holding the pose. Then one day, something clicked and “I got it.” It wasn’t necessarily that I made a gradual progression toward that end, it just happened. Now, it is the one that I enjoy the most. 

This experience has helped me draw parallels to other areas of my life. It has made me realize the times when I closed myself off to people, things and situations because they were unfamiliar. Sometimes, the unknown can be frightening, it can be challenging...but that is not a good reason to dislike it, nor is it an excuse to walk away from it.