I kicked off my yoga journey with what seemed like the simplest of poses—the Child’s Pose. Knees on the mat, hips sinking back towards my heels, and my arms stretched out in front of me. I can’t even describe the serenity that washed over me. It was like giving myself permission to rest and just be. Now, I often return to this pose as a gentle reminder to pause and breathe during my daily routines.

The name says it all. Standing in Warrior I, I felt invincible. The power surging through my legs and the stretching in my hips gave me a feeling of rooted strength. As I lifted my arms overhead and directed my gaze forward, a newfound sense of confidence enveloped me. Warrior I taught me to stand my ground—both literally and metaphorically.

Oh, the Downward Dog! It’s like a full-body stretch masquerading as a yoga pose. Heels pressing towards the mat and palms pushing against the ground made me aware of muscles I didn’t even know existed. The first few times were, I admit, a bit strenuous. But with time, I’ve come to appreciate this pose as a vital part of my practice for both focus and flexibility.

The Triangle Pose was an exercise in balance and concentration for me. It was hard initially to keep my arms parallel while leaning to one side, but once I got it, I found a deep stretch along my side body that was incredibly rejuvenating. It’s a pose that encourages me to look at things from a different perspective—sometimes all it takes is a little tilt!

Balance, oh sweet balance. The Tree Pose was my introduction to the delicate art of finding equilibrium. Foot pressed against my inner thigh, arms reaching towards the sky—I felt like a tree extending its branches while deeply rooted in the earth. This pose has been a metaphorical teacher, reminding me to stay grounded but to continue reaching for my aspirations.