Solar Eclipse: Carolan Hoffman Shares Top 5 Yoga Poses To Connect With Sun

On Monday, August 21, much of the country will get to witness a total solar eclipse, or at least see part of it. And while the eclipse will bring a shadow over the world, through yoga, we can revitalize and replenish ourselves, bringing a sense of renewal and enlivenment - especially during a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to connect more closely with the sun, earth and moon.

Carolan Hoffman is a longtime yoga instructor and founder of Hot Spot Dupont, Washington, D.C.’s longest-standing hot yoga studio. Hoffman says that through yoga, we can access the power and beauty of the eclipse - and what better time to do so ahead of this rare opportunity?

Carolan shared with Latin Times her top five yoga poses for the eclipse, which includes:

1. Dolphin Pose

HOW TO DO IT:

Place forearms on floor and interlace fingers, creating a triangle

Lift hips up, spine straight, legs straight

Engage abdominals and keep weight in core and forearms

Breathe normally

Release by bringing knees down to floor

BENEFITS:

Restores inner equilibrium

Develops balance and harmony

Strengthens spine, shoulders and arms

2. Boat Pose

HOW TO DO IT:

Extend both legs out in front of body

Lift both legs up and extend arms to side of legs

Spine is straight, abdominals engaged

Breathe normally

Release by placing hands and legs back on floor

BENEFITS:

Refreshes and energizes body

Eliminates nervous tension

Revitalizes the nervous system

3. Camel Pose

HOW TO DO IT:

Stand on knees with knees separated

Place hands on lower back

Drop head back, lean back and grab ankles

Breathe normally

Return to starting position by slowly bringing hands back to hips one at a time

BENEFITS:

Uplifting and Inspiring

Boosts energy

Relieves back pain

Releases tension

4. Spine Twist

HOW TO DO IT:

Extend left leg out in front of body and bend right leg

Place right hand on floor at base of spine

Grab right ankle with left hand and look over right shoulder

Breathe normally

Release by turning head forward and relaxing arms and legs

BENEFITS:

Rejuvenates body systems

Increases vitality

Improves digestion

5. Bastrika (Breathing Exercise)

HOW TO DO IT:

Comfortable seated position with straight spine and eyes closed.

Hands in loose fists at shoulders.

While lifting both arms straight up while opening fingers, inhale through nose.

While bringing arms down and making fists, exhale forcefully through nose.

Do 3 sets of 10 breaths

BENEFITS:

Energizes and Oxygenates body

Cleanses and detoxifies

Anti-inflammatory

Brings peace and tranquility