Start in the mountain pose, standing with the feet together, but not touching one another and arms down and relaxed.
Shift your balance to your right leg focusing the gaze at one fixed point. Bend the knees slightly and cross the left leg over the right leg, so that the left foot is holding on the right ankle. If this is too difficult you can cross the legs and rest the left foot on the floor next to the right ankle.
Then lift and cross your arms in front of you, so that the left elbow is above the right elbow with the palms of the hands touching. If you cannot get the palms to touch, you can place the hands together back to back.
Focus your mind on the solar plexus chakra and the breathing, as this can help to keep the balance. Hold this position for about 30 seconds or as long as you can.
To come out, release the hands and legs returning to the original position and repeat it on the other side for the same length of time. You can use a wall for support to start with, until you are able to balance by yourself.
The eagle yoga posture helps to improve balance and concentration, strengthen the legs and stretches the shoulders.
Hatha Yoga Postures: Sanskrit – English
Marcia has been practising yoga for over 20 years and has specialised in the Hatha and Ashtanga schools of yoga, although has also enjoyed learning other branches such as Iyengar. As well as yoga she practices meditation, and plays a wide range of sports, including badminton, cricket, cycling, and walking.