Mountain pose is the summit for all-other standing and inverted Yoga Asanas. The principles of Mountain pose lay the foundation for developing yoga skills of alignment, focus and balance. Mountain pose may look simple as if you are just standing there, but this is an active pose which strengthens the legs, back and core, improving posture and mental clarity.  Mountain pose is typically positioned at the beginning of the practice or sequence to bring calm to the mind and awareness to the whole body.

To start, stand with the feet hip-width apart, the arms by the sides. Fix the eyes at a point on the wall slightly above the head.  Distribute the weight evenly between the feet. Draw down into the heels and lift up through the arches of the feet to straighten the legs. Press the outer edges of the shins towards each other, while rotating the inner thighs towards each other. Tuck the tailbone down and lift up through the core. Draw the shoulders blades down towards the back waist, but lengthen the spine and torso. Broaden the collar bone, lengthen the neck.  In the final position the ears, shoulders, hips and ankles should be aligned. To exit the pose, transition into the next posture.