Mountain Pose

Samasthiti

Mountain Pose is the still, standing foundation of the practice — feet together, weight even, body upright and quietly attentive. It is the starting and ending point of every Sun Salutation, where breath and posture are gathered before movement. Equal grounding through the feet establishes the whole standing practice.

Alignment cues

• Stand with the feet together, weight even across both soles
• Lengthen up through the crown, shoulders relaxed
• Draw the low belly in and steady the breath

Benefits

• Establishes grounding and even weight distribution
• Improves posture
• Centers the breath and mind before movement

Modifications

• Stand with feet hip-width apart if balance is unsteady
• Practice near a wall to check alignment