Glossary · A–Z
Terms starting with “U”
24 terms in the conscious-living glossary.
- Ubhaya PadangusthasanaYoga Poses (Asanas)Both big toes pose—V-sit holding big toes.
- Udana VayuSubtle Body & AnatomyUpward-moving vital air governing speech and growth.
- Uddiyana BandhaSubtle Body & AnatomyAbdominal lock—drawing the belly in and up to lift energy.
- Uddiyana BandhaSubtle Body & AnatomyAbdominal lock drawing energy upward.
- Ujjayi BreathBreathworkOcean breath—a slight throat constriction creating a soft sound during breathing.
- UltramarathonRace Types & DistancesAny race longer than a marathon (26.2 miles). Common distances include 50K, 100K, and 100 miles.
- UpanishadsYoga PhilosophyPhilosophical texts forming the end of the Vedas—exploring the nature of reality and self.
- UpanishadsYoga PhilosophyAncient philosophical texts exploring ultimate reality.
- Upavistha KonasanaYoga Poses (Asanas)Wide-angle seated forward fold—legs wide with chest to floor.
- UpayaBuddhist TraditionsSkillful means—adapting teachings and methods to benefit different beings.
- UpekkhaBuddhist TraditionsEquanimity—a balanced, non-reactive mind that remains stable through pleasure and pain.
- UpekkhaBuddhist TraditionsEquanimity—balanced, non-reactive awareness to all experiences.
- UpekkhaBuddhismEquanimity—balanced mind in all circumstances.
- Upper WorldShamanismCelestial realm accessed through ascent for wisdom.
- Urdhva Dhanurasana (Wheel Pose)Yoga Poses (Asanas)A deep backbend with hands and feet on floor—opening the entire front body.
- Urdhva Mukha PaschimottanasanaYoga Poses (Asanas)Upward facing forward fold—balancing fold with legs extended up.
- Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward Dog)Yoga Poses (Asanas)A deep backbend with lifted thighs—opening the heart and building back strength.
- Urdhva PadmasanaYoga Poses (Asanas)Lotus in headstand—combining lotus position with inversion.
- UstrasanaYoga Poses (Asanas)Camel pose—kneeling backbend opening heart and throat.
- Ustrasana (Camel Pose)Yoga Poses (Asanas)A kneeling backbend reaching for the heels—deeply opening the heart and hip flexors.
- Usui ReikiEnergy Work & HealingOriginal Reiki system developed by Mikao Usui in Japan.
- Uttana PadasanaYoga Poses (Asanas)Raised legs pose—supine with legs and head lifted.
- Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold)Yoga Poses (Asanas)Folding forward from standing—releasing the spine and calming the nervous system.
- Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle)Yoga Poses (Asanas)A lunging pose with one arm extended overhead—stretching the entire side body.