Upward Salute (Urdhva Hastasana)

A Heart-Opening Pose to Awaken Joy and Lightness

Upward Salute is a simple yet powerful pose that invites the feeling of Ānanda, lightness, joy, and expansiveness. By lifting the arms overhead and lengthening through the sides of the body, you create space in the chest, energize the spine and awaken a sense of possibility.

How to Practice

1. Stand tall with feet hip-width apart.

2. Inhale and sweep both arms overhead, palms facing each other or touching.

3. Lengthen through your fingertips while keeping your shoulders soft.

4. Lift your gaze slightly without straining the neck.

5. Hold for 5–8 breaths, feeling the upward lift and openness through your heart.

💖 Benefits

Stretches the sides of the body, strengthens posture, opens the chest, and creates an uplifting sense of expansion.