Awareness

When I did the asana Garudasana I had to modify it a little. Instead of having the opposite arm as leg going over the other one, I had the same arm as leg going over the other one. I did this because my left hip is more flexible than my right one but my left shoulder is more flexible since I have mild scoliosis on the right side of my upper back. Once I did this modification i felt a nice stretch in my upper back and along the back of my right ankle. I also felt a calming feeling due to the fact that i was concentrating on my balance and body positioning.

Benefits of Garudasana

Some benefits of Garudasana are...
1. Gives strength and flexiblity to the ankles and calves.
2. Stretches out the upper back, thighs, shoulders, and hips.
3. Improves sense of balance and concentration.
4. Relaxes the body and soul.




Credits:
http://www.yogawiz.com/articles/7/yoga-asana-benefits/benefits-of-garudasana.html
http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/785

How to do Garudasana

To get into Garudasana you first stand in Tadasana then shift your weight onto the right leg. Next you Bring the left leg up and cross the left thigh over the right thigh and wrap the leg leg around the right on so that the left foot is hooked around the back of the right calf. Next hold your arms out in front of your chest and cross the right arm over the left arm and wrap the right arm around the left one so that the palms are touching. Lift the elbows so that the upper arms are parallel to the ground and the elbows are bent in the shape of an "L". Slide your shoulders down the back. Hold for 5-10 breaths.

To get out of Garudasana unwind the legs and the arms and stand back in Tadasana. Repeat on the other side.



Credits:
http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/785
http://yoga.about.com/od/yogaposes/a/eagle.htm

GARUDASANA:
-English Name: Eagle Pose
-Meaning: Garuda = the mythic "king of the birds," the vehicle of Vishnu.