Crow

THE CROW: KĀKĀSANA

Strengthening the arms and the shoulder girdle is a main concern in any physical exercise program. Instead of using weights, the Yogis developed balancing āsanas such as Crow and its variations. In these, the body weight shifts from the feet, legs, and hips to the hands, arms, and shoulders. Although all āsanas are designed as mental as well as physical exercises to prepare the mind and body for meditation, the balancing poses are what give the most noticeable improvement in the powers of concentration. The Crow is one of the most beneficial of balancing poses. This āsana mimics the posture of a cawing crow – with the body’s weight supported on the elbows and hands and the head thrust well forward.

Although the Crow may look difficult at first, it is important to bear in mind that all the previous breathing exercises and postures actually prepare for balancing: controlled breathing allows you to focus your energies on a balancing point and the āsanas have trained your body to fine-tune the contraction and relaxation of muscles.

PHYSICAL BENEFITS

• Strengthens the arms, wrists and shoulders.
• The muscles of fingers, wrists and forearms are stretched.

MENTAL BENEFITS

• The Crow helps to increase the powers of concentration and remove lethargy. It promotes physical and mental balance.
• When you are practicing this pose, you have to evaluate how much of your body weight you can place on your arms and hands. If you place too little weight on them, you will not be able to lift your feet off the floor. After a period of testing and hesitation, one concentrated, determined movement will lift you into the pose. Crow therefore helps to develop your determination as well as your powers of concentration.