Feathered Peacock Pose

BENEFITS

• Strengthens the shoulders, arms, core, and back
• Stretches the chest and shoulders
• Improves balance
• Calms the mind
• Relieves mild depression

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Pregnancy
• High blood pressure
• Neck, shoulder, or back injuries
• Headache
• Heart conditions
• Glaucoma
• Ear infections

HOW TO

1. Kneel on the floor. Clasp your elbows with opposite hands and place them on the ground in front of you.
2. Keep your elbows where they are, but release your hands and bring them forward so your forearms are parallel to one another, palms facing down.
3. Curl your toes under and straighten your legs. Walk your feet toward you until your hips are over your shoulders.
4. Gaze slightly forward and draw your shoulders upward. Lift your right leg to the sky. Then bend your left knee slightly and push off the floor to lift your left leg toward the sky.
5. Balance in the pose for several breaths. Exhale and carefully lower both feet to the floor.

MODIFY OR REPLACE

Alternatives:

• Forearm Plank/ Dolphin Plank pose

Modifications:

• Loop a strap around the upper arms to keep the elbows close together.

SEQUENCING TIPS

Before:

• Cow Face pose (Gomukhasana)
• Bow pose (Dhanurasana)
• Dolphin Plank pose

After:

• Child’s pose (Balasana)
• Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

TEACHING CUES

• Fix your gaze at a point ahead of you to balance.
• Draw your shoulders upward.
• Draw your belly toward your spine.
• Reach your tailbone toward your heels.

VARIATIONS

• Bend your knees and draw your toes toward the crown of your head for Scorpion pose (Vrschikasana).

WATCH OUT FOR

• Overarching of the back
• Shoulders collapsing
• Gaze downward rather than slightly forward