The Praise Pose

Also known as the extended child’s pose in Yoga, this is known as the praise pose in Pilates. In the photo, the child is resting on her elbows, but the arms can also be “extended” out in front. The stretch is quite useful for lengthening the lower back muscles and relieving pressure in the hips. Pregnant women will find comfort in leaning forward on pillows or spreading their legs wider to accommodate the baby in their bellies. 
Also known as the extended child’s pose in Yoga, this is known as the praise pose in Pilates. In the photo, the child is resting on her elbows, but the arms can also be “extended” out in front. The stretch is quite useful for lengthening the lower back muscles and relieving pressure in the hips. Pregnant women will find comfort in leaning forward on pillows or spreading their legs wider to accommodate the baby in their bellies. 

This is a beautiful pose in which to meditate. As its name indicates, it is a humble and worshipful position. If you were to visit a traditional mosque or Jewish temple, you would find many in this extended child’s pose, on their knees, faces to the floor. It is impossible to think much of yourself while you are in praise pose. It is a time to examine your priorities, asking yourself what you revere, what you put up on a pedestal, what you worship.

Reverence and worship are foreign words to much of American society. The word “idolize” makes most think of American Idol, a show that helps aspiring singers achieve overnight fame. But your idol is anything real or surreal that you spend most of your time pondering. Every time you enter the praise pose or extended child’s pose, dare to ask yourself what’s on your pedestal. If you had an altar in your house, what would be on it? Money, cars, homes and possessions have no place on our pedestals or in our worship. 

Please know, this post is not about religion. This is about basic spirituality. This is about you and The Divine. Are you investing in meaningful pursuits, or do all your pursuits revolve around the attainment of more goods and goodies? Is your focus always inward, or is it ever upward and outward?

This is a beautiful pose in which to meditate. As its name indicates, it is a humble and worshipful position. If you were to visit a traditional mosque or Jewish temple, you would find many in this extended child’s pose, on their knees, faces to the floor. It is impossible to think much of yourself while you are in praise pose. It is a time to examine your priorities, asking yourself what you revere, what you put up on a pedestal, what you worship.

Reverence and worship are foreign words to much of American society. The word “idolize” makes most think of American Idol, a show that helps aspiring singers achieve overnight fame. But your idol is anything real or surreal that you spend most of your time pondering. Every time you enter the praise pose or extended child’s pose, dare to ask yourself what’s on your pedestal. If you had an altar in your house, what would be on it? Money, cars, homes and possessions have no place on our pedestals or in our worship. 

Please know, this post is not about religion. This is about basic spirituality. This is about you and The Divine. Are you investing in meaningful pursuits, or do all your pursuits revolve around the attainment of more goods and goodies? Is your focus always inward, or is it ever upward and outward?

So start on your knees and then lean forward. Find the place where you can relax your forehead on the floor. Use a pillow if you need to take more pressure out of your neck. Try to get your bum as close to your feet as possible while you reach out with your hands. And then breathe. With every inhale, breathe in The Divine. With every exhale, release your power and let a greater power take over.

Namaste!