"Four Leaf Clover" Pose
(Star Pose)
Begin by standing straight with your arms by your side. Step your feet out wide apart and turn your toes out slightly so they face the corner of the mat. Reach your arms out wide to shoulder height with your palms fancing forward. Stretch as big and wide as you can go!
*This pose can be difficult, and if you're doing this with beginning yogi's or children feel free to make it as easy as you please (the point of this particular set of poses is to have fun!)
Begin the pose flat on your stomach with your arms resting by your sides. Breath deeply and upon exhale, bend your knees as far as you can towards your buttocks. Try to keep your knees about a hip-distance apart, and reach out with both hands to hold onto your ankles, , exhaling and inhaling deeply. If you can lift your heels towards the sky, lifting your thighs up and off of the mat. Focus your energy into keeping your tailbone in place on the floor while trying to lift your heels and thighs high- lift your chest and press your shoulders firmly into your upper back. Try to pull your shoulders away from your ears and straight forward. Your breathing will become shallow, that's normal! Hold for as long as comfortable and enjoy this great stretch.
"Irish Jig" Pose
(King Dancer Pose)
*This pose can be difficult, and if you're doing this with beginning yogi's or children feel free to make it as easy as you please (the point of this particular set of poses is to have fun!)
Begin by standing straight with your arms by your sides. Shift your weight to your left leg and bend your right knee, bringing your right heel towards your buttock (or as close as you can get it.) Breath in deeply and arch your back, clasping your right inner ankle with your right hand. Stretch out your left arm in front of you with your palm open wide. Lean as far forward as your comfortable.
"Leprechaun" Pose
(Tree Pose)
Begin by standing straight with your arms by your sides. Shift your body weight to your left leg. Bend your right knee and use your hand to help you bring your right foot alongside your inner left thigh. Make sure to rest your foot only below or above your knee, but never on it. Make sure your right and left hip are aligned and the center of your pelvis is directly over your left foot, with your toes pointing toward the ground. Once comfortable and stable, breathe in deep and lift your arms above your head and towards the sky. Children might instead enjoy swiging their right leg around like a leprechaun doing a jig!
Happy St. Patricks Day!
 | Sky Andersen holds down the role of blog writer at Yoga Direct. Currently studying Public relations at Virginia Commonwealth University, she writes for many different publications and is passionate about all things photography, travel and of course- yoga. |