Pictured: Dhanurasana (bow pose)
One of the secrets to maintaining and creating a flexible mind is having an open body. A lot of us sit at a computer for hours a day or do some kind of job that has us in a comprimised, repetative position for long periods of time. We end up with sore backs and tight hip flexors. Making us stagnant and tight not only in our bodies but in our minds. Doing movements or postures that counter act this on a regular basis can help relieve minor aches and pains and keep you from becoming rigid in your thoughts. Backbends are great for opening up all areas of the body, heart, and mind. Try these two variations to energize your entire spirit.
1. Salambasana (locust pose) Begin laying on your belly, legs together and your arms along the sides of your body with the palms facing up. Draw your tailbone down towards your heels and lift your inner thighs to the ceiling. Avoid clenching your butt muscels. Begin to curl your chest up off the floor, keeping your neck long. Slowly begin to raise your arms and legs off the floor. Keeping your legs together and arms parallel to the floor. Stay for 30 seconds to one minute then turn your head to one direction and rest before you repeat once or twice more.
2. Dhanurasana (bow pose) Begin lying on your belly as you did in salambasana. Bend your knees and reach back with your hands to grab the outside of your ankles. With an inhale reach your heels away from your body and lift your inner thighs towards the celing. Avoid splaying your knees to the sides by keeping them the same width as your hips. Draw your shoulders away from your ears and press your shoulder blades into your back to open up your heart. Breath into your upper torso to avoid rocking. Stay for 30 seconds then on an exhale release and turn your head to the other side to rest before repeating once or twice more.
*Practice stretching and becoming more flexible and see how it translates into your thought patterns helping you become more optimistic and adaptable.
