Are you feeling less-than-awesome about yourself lately?

　　Well, that’s bananas, because you’re the cat’s meow.

　　But our self-esteem sometimes waxes and wanes, much like the tides of the Moon, and we need a boost every now and then to remind ourselves that we’re made of stardust and spice and everything nice.

　　When our self-esteem is on the lower end of the scale, we’re more likely to make decisions that don’t serve us in the long run. Ever had one-cocktail-too-many at the end of a hard day, or found that that box of chocolates didn’t quite hit the emotional spot?

　　Why not try a self-esteem boosting technique that relaxes your body and your mind while improving your self-esteem for the long run?

　　Yoga is an incredibly effective practice for bringing yourself awareness, relaxation, confidence, balance, inner peace, and mindfulness. But, did you know that there are actually certain poses that will work to boost your self-esteem naturally?

　　Let’s take a look at the best yoga poses to amplify your confidence and leave you feeling like an electrified rock star.

　　

Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)

With a name like “Warrior,” how could you not soak in some power and inner strength while performing this pose? Warrior II is a variation of the warrior pose, a grounding pose and centers you in the earth.

　　When practicing this pose, envision roots spreading from your feet into the earth, connecting you firmly to the ground. Feel the power resonating from your feet, spreading upward and outward throughout your body.

　　

Upward Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana)

Upward facing dog is an excellent pose to help you get in touch with your core, your spirit. This pose can help improve your posture and digestion while reducing depression. And to top it off, this pose is associated with your solar plexus – the chakra that regulates your confidence and self-esteem. This pose will align and cleanse your solar plexus chakra, leaving you energized and infused with poise.

　　While in upward facing dog, imagine confidence building in your belly and spreading throughout your entire body, filling you with self-assurance and determination.

　　

Chair Pose (Utkatasana)

Chair pose is also known as thunderbolt pose, and you can imagine yourself as a thunderous beacon of certainty and courage while grounding yourself in this healing pose. This is another pose that really grounds you into the earth and centers you within yourself, helping you strengthen that core and learn to accept who you are.

　　When settling into this pose, take a deep breath and imagine confidence filling your lungs. As you breathe out, imagine those golden rays of confidence penetrating every cell within your body, elevating your vibrations and lifting your spirit.

　　

Lotus Pose (Padmasana)

This is another pose that helps center you in your core, resulting in a boldness and self-possession that screams “confidence!” This pose is tiring and demanding, but once you’ve mastered it, you’ll feel like the King or Queen of the mountain.

　　In this pose, you might have the tendency to look down, but keep your gaze focused ahead and your chin up to promote a sense of self-assuredness. Imagine yourself unfolding and blossoming like a lotus flower, allowing the world to see your majestic beauty.

　　

Half-Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana)

Half-moon pose is one of my favorites for building confidence because I like to use this pose to strengthen my connection with the Moon. The Moon rules the tides and has a strong, mysterious effect on our emotions. It’s always a good idea to connect with her and try to learn from her wisdom, most especially because it instills a sense of confidence within yourself when you’re aware of and educated on the Moon’s cycles. But, even if you’re not ready to study the lunar cycle and its meanings, you can still connect your heart to the spirit of the Moon.

　　In this pose, gaze toward the heavens and imagine a beaming ray of light emerging from your heart and reaching straight to the moon. Imagine an eternal connect between yourself and her mysteries. This pose is especially effective when practice under the moonlight.

　　

Concluding Thoughts

Confidence is not only possible, it is not only your Universe-given right, it is your duty to yourself. You can never fulfill your amazing, incredible potential if you don’t see yourself as the enlightened spark of stardust that you are and will continue to become. You are the only you that there will ever be, and that is a remarkable gift that the world deserves to take part of.

　　So settle into your pose of choice, and breathe in the luminescent light of confidence that longs to look over you and guide you along your journey.

　　Related Article: How Astrology and Yoga Work Together to Bring You Inner Peace and Stillness