Moon Salutations (Chandra Namaskar)

While the sun is very limited during the winter months, and we experience the moon and the night more than at other times of the year I have been inspired to practice the moon salutations, especially close to the time of the lunar eclipse!  Moon salutations, just like sun salutations are a way to warm the body, to get blood flowing and to devote your practice to the world around you as well as the world that is your body.  The sequence of postures flows and follows a deep breath accordingly.

Namaskar literally means "salutation," so, in practicing the salutation to the moon or the sun one may find it pleasant to (mentally) connect to the earth and, I suppose, the cosmos.  What I think is so great about moon salutations is that they follow the phases of the moon.  As you practice the sequence you will feel your body "waxing" and "waning."
This exercise is great for the lateral body, meaning the sides.  The progression of poses is great for strengthening the legs as well as stretching the inner thigh muscles.  It is also an ideal practice for opening the rib area and groin area.  The moon salutations are perfect for anyone feeling bogged down by the constant dark and winter impediments to physical movement.

1. Start in Mountain Pose (tadasana), arms lifted

2. Half moon (ardha chandrasana) bring lifted hands to left and then right

3.  Goddess pose (debbiasana) toes pointed 30 degrees out, bend knees, cactus arms

4. Star pose, legs about 3 feet apart, arms parallel to floor

5. Triangle pose (trikonasana) L foot pointed forward, R foot angled in, R hand up, L hand rests on thigh /shin

6. Bend over L leg, R heal pulls towards floor

7. Transition into runners lunge over L knee

8. Bring L knee to face side of mat, point R toes up

9. Shift back into Frog pose, elbows energized agains inside of knees

10-16. REVERSE CYCLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE to come back to Mountain pose!