Half Moon

A standing balance that explores lateral expansion, hip opening, steady focus and the relationship between support and reach.

“Root through one foot. Open through the body. Reach into space.”

Half Moon is a standing balance shaped around asymmetry. One foot roots while the rest of the body opens sideways into space. It asks for steadiness without stiffness, and curiosity about how the standing leg, spine, pelvis and breath work together.

The purpose is not to make a perfect half moon shape. The purpose is to find enough support to explore balance, openness and direction without losing the ease of the breath.

1. 1Begin from a supported Triangle shape with a block or chair under the lower hand.
2. 2Bend the front knee slightly.
3. 3Shift your weight into the front foot.
4. 4Let the lower hand move forward of the front foot.
5. 5Lift the back leg to a comfortable height.
6. 6Allow the standing leg to steady without locking.
7. 7Turn the chest gradually towards the side.
8. 8Reach the top arm upward, or keep the hand on the hip.
9. 9Keep the gaze where balance feels most available.
10. 10Stay for a few breaths, then return with care.

Instead of searching for the “correct” position, notice:

• •Can the standing foot feel grounded without gripping?
• •Where does the lifted leg want to move?
• •Does the lower hand support the pose without carrying all your weight?
• •Can the chest open without forcing the neck?
• •Is the breath still easy in the balance?

Let the breath show how much effort is present. If it becomes short or held, explore using more support, lowering the lifted leg or softening the gaze.

Observe how the student enters the balance. Notice whether they rush the weight transfer, collapse into the lower hand or hold the breath. Support may be more useful than more instruction.

Reflect after practising:

• •What helped you feel steady?
• •Did the pose change when the lower hand had more support?
• •Where did your attention go when balance became uncertain?
• •Could you stay curious without forcing the shape?

Rather than mistakes, you may notice:

• •Gripping with the standing foot
• •Locking the standing knee
• •Leaning heavily into the lower hand
• •Turning the chest faster than the pelvis can follow
• •Lifting the back leg higher than balance allows
• •Holding the breath
• •Straining the neck to look upward

• •Practise with the back against a wall
• •Use a block on its highest height
• •Place the lower hand on a chair
• •Keep the top hand on the hip
• •Keep the gaze down or forward
• •Bend the standing knee
• •Lower the lifted leg

• ✓The standing foot feels connected.
• ✓Breathing remains available.
• ✓The body feels supported rather than forced.
• ✓The exit feels as considered as the entry.
• ✓Balance is explored with steadiness and curiosity.