Have you heard the expression, ‘as sharp as an eagle’s eye’? An eagle can see fish moving in the water from hundreds of feet in the air, as well as rabbits running almost a mile away. Their aerodynamically perfect wings contain about 7,000 feathers. They can gracefully glide great distances without flapping them.
Instructions
- Stand in mountain.
- Stretch your arms out to the side.
- Exhale. Make an X crossing the arms above the elbows and give yourself a hug. Entwine them around each other.
- Press the palms together in Namaste or interlace your fingers. Lift the arms.
- Bend your knees. Cross one leg over the thigh and wrap it behind the calf.
- Ground and perch with your lower body. Ascend and fly with your upper body.
- Doesn’t this standing twist feel eagle-riffic!? Unwind. Wrap it up on the other side.
Notes for Parents and Teachers
The wrapping of the arms is a great stretch for the upper back and shoulders, as well as the fingers and wrist joints. If you or your child spend a considerable amount of time at the computer, take regular 1/2 eagle breaks sitting at your desk. Stand up now and then and do the full eagle too. It will energize your legs and invigorate your lower back, too.
Activity Ideas for Home or Classroom
Ecological Echoes
The use of DDT, a deadly pesticide, which is still being used today in many parts of the world, almost wiped out the eagle, our symbol of freedom. As Chief Seattle said, “We are part of the earth and the earth is part of us.” When we use chemicals on our grass or in our soil, they eventually come full circle. Teach your YogaKids to respect the earth and all of the flora and fauna that we share this planet with.
Laughing Language
Can you find words within the word eagle? Here are a few to get you started; leg, eel, age. Keep looking with your eagle eyes.
Brain Balance
The combination of the twisting and entwining in this pose invigorates the brain. It increases the flow of oxygen to make you alert and smart.