Pose Spotlight: Hanumanasana (AKA, "The Splits")
In the world of yoga mythology, Hanuman is one of the most beloved and inspiring figures. Half-monkey, half-divine, Hanuman is known for his immense strength, unwavering loyalty, and incredible ability to leap across great distances. But beyond the mythology, Hanuman also symbolizes something deeply relevant for modern practitioners— the importance of controlling one’s own prana flow, courage in the face of uncertainty, dedication to a higher purpose, and the power of remembering your innate potential.
In yoga, we call upon Hanuman’s story to embody strength, mobility, and trust. His legendary leap is more than just a tale—it’s a metaphor for the bold, wholehearted leaps we all take in our lives, especially when stepping into the unknown. On the mat, we channel Hanuman through practices that challenge and expand us—like Hanumanasana, or the splits.
Why Practice Hanumanasana in Summer?
Summer is ruled by pitta dosha in Ayurveda, the fire + water energy responsible for drive, focus, and transformation. But when overheated, pitta can bring intensity, impatience, and inflammation—physically and mentally. Hanumanasana, especially when practiced mindfully and with cooling variations, is an ideal posture to balance this fiery season.
✅ It’s deeply grounding. Wide-leg stretches like the splits connect us to the earth and help discharge excess heat.
✅ It opens key areas of tension. Tight hamstrings and hip flexors tend to hold heat and stress—Hanumanasana helps soften and release these areas.
✅ It calms the mind. When we fold forward into a supported variation of the splits, the nervous system has a chance to settle, helping reduce agitation or mental overdrive.
✅ It builds strength and resilience. Just like Hanuman’s leap, the journey toward Hanumanasana requires patience, consistency, and belief in your own capacity.
A Fresh Approach to Flexibility
Join Larissa Hall Carlson on Better Yoga this summer for “Leap Into Summer: A 4-Week Hanuman-Inspired Yoga Series”: a yoga series for strength, stretch, and summer balance.
🗓 Wednesdays: July 9, 16, 23, 30
🕘 9–10am ET
📍 Live on Zoom (+ recordings!)
In this progressive 4-class series, we’ll explore a cooling, feel-good flow that focuses on hip openers, hamstring loosening, and lighthearted spaciousness. Each class builds toward variations of Hanumanasana—without pressure or perfection. Expect a balance of movement and stillness, strength and surrender, anatomy-informed sequencing, and a short weekly mythological story that adds meaning and connection to your practice.
🧘♀️ This series is ideal for intermediate students who love a good stretch and want to move mindfully through summer.
Each class includes:
• Pulsing lunges to mobilize the hips
• Skandasana variations for inner leg release
• Supported splits work (using blocks + props)
• Cooling breathwork + short relaxation
• A short story from the Hanuman tradition to inspire your mindset
What Hanuman Teaches Us—On + Off the Mat
In each session, we’ll explore different parts of Hanuman’s story—his courageous leap, his focused strength, and his legendary humility. While these tales are ancient, their themes are timeless: remembering your purpose, reconnecting to your power, and staying grounded even when life asks you to stretch beyond your comfort zone.
Whether or not you “nail the splits” isn’t the point. This series is about meeting yourself with compassion, cultivating spaciousness in body and mind, and discovering a sense of grounded lightness—something we all need a little more of in summer.
REGISTER 👉 for the 4-class bundle
📺 Can’t join live? No problem—recordings are available!
Wishing you a summer full of courage, ease, and joyful leaps—on and off the mat.
With warmth and light,
Larissa Hall Carlson
