downward-facing dog

one of the first poses taught in the vinyasa practice.
if you're fairly new to yoga, this pose will initially feel like a killer. your arms may wobble, legs may shake a bit. although strong arms & legs help achieve the pose, the real strength comes from the core, the center of our power.

bks iyengar 

hands planted firmly into the mat.
long extended arms.
shoulders spread.
engage your core, meaning tuck it within.
shake the head from left to right to release any tension.
imagine a string wrapped around your hips and a friend pulling it up high to the sky.
long extended legs dripping to the floor.
heels reaching for the ground.
breathe.

it'll take some time, but eventually this pose will start to feel more like a resting pose.