King Dancer: Let Go of Effort and Grace Flows In

By Mindy Arbuckle, E-RYT

Natarajasana is a beautiful pose in which you balance on one leg and bring the toes of the opposite legs up behind you and hold onto them behind the head. It creates a beautiful backbending circular flow of energy.


It represents the energy of Nataraja, Shiva in the form of the Lord of the Dance. Shiva is one of the Hindu trinity of gods and represents the third phase of creation: destruction/transformation. As Nataraja, Shiva is portrayed dancing on one foot with a ring of fire surrounding him. Shiva dances to the rhythm of the universe and the never ending cycle of infinity, life, death and rebirth.


Natarajasana is a beautiful and very challenging yoga posture. It is a large back bend in which you must balance while leaning forward and lifting your leg toward your head. In its ideal form it is nearly impossible for most western bodies to accomplish. Yet, with a simple strap nearly everyone can blossom into this asana. Using a looped strap elongates the link between your arms and the lifted foot.


As you practice this pose be mindful of the circular, smooth flow of the breath. Allow it to be your guide as you find comfort and ease throughout this practice. With the loop of your strap as big or as small as you’d like, place one foot at the bottom of the loop and lift the top of the loop over your head so both hands can grasp it from behind. Now, breathe.


With your balance established begin to press your foot into the strap and away from your buttocks. As the leg lifts let your body hinge forward, beginning to create your circle of life. Notice if your arms are pulling your legs and if your shoulders are working or soft. Pushing yourself and forcing this pose will only take you so far. Once you have moved into Natarajasana as far as is right today, relax the shoulders and lift the foot into the strap.


You’ll notice that when you let go of effort the grace and beauty of this pose will flow in. You will feel Shiva’s transformative energy move through you. Your heart will be open without the stress of the shoulders pulling on the strap and you are liberated from the fear that balance and change can bring. Once you let go of effort and fear, it is easy to embrace freedom in your heart and mind.


Continuing to practice Natarajasana with a strap will provide you with support as your body opens farther into the backend, eventually moving into the full posture. With regular, consistent practice of this pose feel your heart relax, allow grace to flow into every cell and let your body, mind and soul be transformed through Shiva’s divine energy.


About the author:
Mindy Arbuckle is the owner of Green Mountain Yoga in Arvada, CO. She has been studying and teaching yoga for most of her adult life and is passionate about helping people through positive and intentional self transformation.