Looks can be deceiving, and Tadasana, or Tall Mountain Pose is the perfect example of this concept.

To the untrained eye, Tadasana a simple standing posture. However, when performed with the correct intention, there is a host of things going on below the surface. Learn to perform Mountain Pose well, and you'll be able to apply the lessons it teaches to so many postures throughout your yoga practice.

Let's take a look at why this asana is considered foundational yoga pose, and why you're likely to find Tadasana, or Mountain Pose, in any yoga class you take, from beginners, all the way through to advanced.

What are the benefits of Tadasana?

Like all yoga asanas, the potential benefits are multifaceted, affecting you on a physical, energetic, and spiritual level. Here are just a few of mountain poses most prominent benefits:

• Cultivates clarity and calm
• Improves balance
• Helps you to arrive in the moment
• Increased strength and flexibility of the feet
• Assists overall posture

Tadasana is a great yoga pose to visit and revisit throughout your practice. It offers a moment to regroup, recenter, notice changes in your body, and reconnect with your higher self.

How do you perform Tadasana, (Mountain Pose)?

1. Start with your feet either together, or hip distance apart
2. Arms are relaxed at your sides, and slightly externally rotated so that your palms face the front
3. Ground down through all four corners of the feet
4. Gently draw up through the knees and thighs
5. Gently draw up from below your belly button
6. Feel the sides of the body lengthening 
7. Broaden through the collar bones while keeping the ribcage soft
8. Lengthen through the back of the neck, and let the head float on top
9. Your gaze should be soft

As you can see, there's a lot more to Tadasana than one might expect!

Is there anyone who shouldn't practice Tadasana?

Tadasana is a gentle pose and is great for nearly everyone to practice, but there are always exceptions. If you or your students experience pain then you should always seek advice from health professional. 

Common sources of pain can come from the lower back, and feet.

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