Mastering Marichyasana 2: Deepen Your Yoga Practice

Alright, alright, let’s talk about this… this Mary-what’s-it-called pose. Marichyasana 2, they call it. Sounds fancy, but it ain’t nothin’ too scary, ya hear?

First off, they say you gotta do that Mary-thing number one before you even try number two. I guess that makes sense. Like, you gotta learn to walk before you run, right? Same kinda deal, I reckon.

So, first thing, you sit yourself down. Yeah, just plop your butt on the floor.
Then, you take a big ol’ breath, like you’re smellin’ somethin’ real good, and stick one arm up in the air. Reach for the sky, like you’re tryin’ to grab a star or somethin’.
Now, when you let that breath out, you lean forward. Not too fast, mind you! Don’t wanna go pullin’ somethin’. Just bend on over, nice and slow.

And here’s where it gets a bit tricky. You gotta take that arm you stuck up in the air and put the back of your hand on your lower back. Then, you kinda wrap it around yourself, like you’re givin’ yourself a hug. But it ain’t no comfy hug, let me tell ya. It’s a twisty hug.

Now, while you’re doin’ all that twistin’ and bendin’, they say you gotta breathe deep. In and out, slow and steady. Like you’re pumpin’ up a tire, but real gentle-like. They say it helps you think straight, too. I don’t know about all that, but breathin’ is always a good thing, ain’t it?

This Mary-pose number two, it’s kinda like two poses mashed together. You got one leg bent all funny, like when you’re sittin’ cross-legged on the floor, and then you got that twisty business goin’ on. It’s a whole lotta things happenin’ at once, but you’ll get the hang of it.

They say this pose is good for stretchin’ things out. Your back, your shoulders, your hamstrings… whatever those are. I guess it’s like kneadin’ dough, makin’ everything nice and loose. And that’s gotta be a good thing, right? Nobody wants to be all stiff and creaky like an old barn door.

And get this, they say this pose helps you focus. Like, it helps you pay attention to what’s goin’ on right now, instead of worryin’ about the chickens gettin’ out or the weeds takin’ over the garden. I could use a bit of that, I tell ya. My mind’s always jumpin’ around like a frog in a hot skillet.

Now, don’t go thinkin’ you gotta be some kinda bendy pretzel to do this pose. You just do what you can. If you can’t twist all the way, that’s alright. If you can’t bend all the way, that’s alright too. Just do what feels right for your body. Don’t push it too hard, ya hear? Nobody’s gonna give you a prize for bein’ the bendiest person in the world.

And if you’re feelin’ all stiff and achy after doin’ this Mary-pose, well, that just means you’re doin’ it right! Just kidding… kinda. But seriously, listen to your body. If somethin’ hurts, stop doin’ it. There’s plenty of other ways to stretch and move around without hurtin’ yourself.

So, there you have it. Marichyasana 2, in plain English, as plain as I can make it, anyhow. It ain’t nothin’ to be scared of. Just take it slow, breathe deep, and listen to your body. And who knows, maybe you’ll end up feelin’ a whole lot better for it.

And remember, ain’t no shame in startin’ slow. Even them fancy yoga folks had to start somewhere, I reckon. Just keep at it, and you’ll get there. Just like milkin’ a cow or plantin’ potatoes, it takes practice and patience. But in the end, it’s worth it.