Simhasana
by Tracey Rich

Crouched on your yoga mat, toes turned back in anticipation, ready to spring. Hands resting on your thighs with fingertips poised to reach out, turning into talons of intense, suspended animation with arms elongated, rigid in space. The quick, guttural rush of air prepares to ricochet around the room flushing the throat and vibrating the vocal chords. This is only part of the multi-faceted coordination about to take place. Practicing the lion pose is a feat unto itself.

The thighs spring into action in a kind of fierce, frozen leap. Eyes nearly crossed and gazing upwards as everything comes together in a single pounce. It is funny, it is embarrassing, and it is hard to get it together in one fell swoop. Not to mention, the pose is challenging to hold.

The sound is not lame and lingering like a wounded beast, but quick for the kill like the king of creatures it represents. A several second hold in total tension is recommended, but only if you can nobly hold on.