Walk like an Egyptian

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The Sphinx is a part of the Great Pyramids of Giza which are one of the seven wonders of the world. The Great Sphinx of Giza depicts a head of a human and a body of a lion. The mythological belief of this large sculpture symbolizes benevolent strength. The yoga sphinx pose is called Salamba Bhujangasana in Sanskrit.

The benefits of sphinx pose resemble the beauty of this ancient sculpture. This yoga pose will strengthen your shoulders and back muscles. It is a great stretch for your chest, lungs, and abdominals. Yogis say that this posture is very heart-opening, which is how it also resembles the sculptures mythological history. If you feel that your heart center needs more opening this posture is great to practice. Become a part of the Great Sphinx while in this pose and feel the compassionate strength within yourself.

So let us practice it…

  1. Begin by lying face-down on the floor with your legs hip-width apart extended behind you. Keep your arms at your sides and your chin on the mat. Press the tops of your feet into the mat and spread your toes. Do not tuck your toes, as this can crunch your spine.
  2. Bring your arms up and rest your elbows under your shoulders with your forearms on the floor, parallel to each other. Point your fingers directly forward.
  3. On an inhalation, press your forearms into the floor and lift your head and chest off the floor. Press your pubic bone into the floor. Strongly engage your legs. Roll your outer thighs slightly toward the floor to help lengthen your low back.
  4. Keep your elbows tucked into your sides. Drop your shoulder blades down your back and draw your chest forward. Lengthen your tailbone toward your heels.
  5. Let your face and eyes soften. Draw your chin toward the back of your neck. Gaze at your “third eye,” the space between your eyebrows.
  6. Hold for up to 10 breaths. To release, exhale as you slowly lower your torso, chest, and head to the floor. Relax your arms at your sides. Turn your head to the side and rest quietly.

About the Author

Lauren is a Kripalu Yoga Teacher. She studied her 200 hour teacher training in the Berkshire Mountains of Stockbridge, MA at the Kripalu School of Yoga and Ayurvedic practices. She is also a health coach with a background in nutrition and biology at Ursuline College. She is a writer and an artist. Her dharma or goal in her life is to spread compassion and knowledge.

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