Zen Warrior Transitions

Warrior transitions — from Warrior One to Warrior Two — are usually about hips and knees. Here I focus on the drsti (gaze), the mind, concentration. The balance of power and softness. How to move the energy and yet stay calm and relaxed. Warrior transitions the Zen way.

                                   
 

• • Coming to the top of the mat, we’re going to step the left foot back and go into the Warrior 1.
  • Try to get the hips somewhat squared forward – less alignment, more mindfulness practice today.
  • Gaze up at the right hand, take a big inhale and with a slow motion, exhale opening up to Warrior 2.
  • Keep the gaze on your right hand. Find that energy: arms reaching out, shoulders back.
  • Then we’re going to step forward.
  • Now step the right foot back. Again, try and adjust the hips finding our Warrior 1.
  • Gaze at the left hand and in slow motion, opening Warrior 2. Arms powerful; shoulders relaxed; mind is steady.
  • Release, coming forward.
  • We’re going to do it again on the right side.

In transitions in general and reality, everything in life is a transition.

Every yoga pose is a transition. When we’re breathing, when we’re practicing nothing is really static even when we believe it is. We have to practice being present, that slowing down a tiny bit to cultivate the true yoga, to really come to that place where our practice is not just gymnastics running through things. Practice transition consciously. 

Share the Smoothness

If you found this article helped your transitions, leave us a comment! Do you have any other tips and tricks we need to know about? Share this article with some of your Zen warrior friends and change their practice too! 

Interested in learning more about Zen yoga and life transitions? Join us at the Doron Yoga & Zen Center or for a yoga teacher training in Guatemala!

For more information on poses and transitions, check out the Doron Yoga Manual.