Ardha Chandrasana professionally demonstrated

Awareness

Using a wall seemed easier.

Because I didn't have a block, I used a stool as an alternative.

When practicing this asana many people have different reactions. For beginners it may be easy or extremely hard. Here is my personal reflection when practicing Ardha Chandrasana...

The best environment to practice this asana (or any Yoga pose) is a clean place where you can focus and let go of yourself. For some, it might be in the wilderness and others in a yoga studio. I find it best to practice this asana in a clean and quiet empty room where I'm free of distractions (like a yoga studio). Finding peace and awareness in this asana was hard at first. I had to focus on my steady breathing and engaging my bundhas. After a few breaths of just clearing my thoughts and enjoying the moment I was able to my bliss.

What is Ardha Chandrasana?

Ardha Chandrasana is basically the sanskrit word for "half moon pose. It is pronounced "are-dah chan-DRAHS-anna". The word 
ardha in sanskrit means "half" and 
candra means "glittering, shining, having the brilliancy or light; usually translated as "moon". The moon has a rich symbolic significance in yoga mythology. The sun and the moon represent the two polar energies of the human body.

How do I get into this asana?

Step 1: Start in Trikonasana (triangle pose). With you left hand resting on your hip.

Step 2: Slightly end your right knee then move a bit foward.

Step 3: Move your right hand foward– a few inches from the toes of your right leg.

Step 4: Exhale and press your right hand and right heel into the floor for balance. Then life your left leg parallel to the floor.

Step 5: Raise your left hand. It should be aligned with your right hand. Bear your weight on the right leg.

Step 6: Once you are steady, look up at your fingers. Stay a few breaths in this pose.

When you have finished this pose, slowly lower your leg and end in tadasana (mountain pose).

Muscular Actions Involved...

• Ankles
• Calves
• Thighs
• Knees
• Groins
• Shoulders
• Chest
• Spine
• Abdomen

Physical Benefits

Strengthens...

• abdomen
• ankles
• thighs
• buttocks
• spine

Stretches...

• the groins,
• hamstrings and calves
• shoulders
• chest
• spine

Improves...

• coordination
• sense of balance Helps relieve stress
• digestion

References

http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/784 ("Half Moon Pose")

http://yoga.about.com/od/yogaposes/a/ardhachandrasan.htm ("How to Do Half Moon Pose - Ardha Chandrasana")

http://www.yogamax.net/ardha-chandrasana-half-moon-pose.html

http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/info/half-moon-pose.asp ("Half Moon Pose - Ardha Chandrasana")

http://www.tracis.info/tracis.info.pictures/Half%20Moon%20Pose%20(Ardha%20Chandrasana).jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn0paRVe_gU ("Yoga: Halfmoon Pose - Ardha Chandrasana")