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Yoga Bytes - September 23, 2007
Bending over Backwards
In class we've talked about how bending backwards is connected with the ability to trust. It happens that the ability to trust is connected with the ability to be open to new experiences, to be cheerful and look forward to the future. It is also tied to the ability to see life from an expanded perspective, which can be said to be the definition of wisdom.
I know that many of us have had experiences that have made trust difficult, but cultivating this expanded perspective can also make distrust unnecessary because the ability to see the wider view brings understanding and the ability to take care of ourselves without fear and limitation.
Therefore let us bend back. Standing strong and tall, feet about shoulder width apart, with your hands on your hips, fingers pointing back, inhale and arch back. Drop your head back too, if you feel you can. Lift your chest toward the sky and breathe deep, full breaths.
If doing this standing up is scary, sit at the front edge of a stable chair while you do it. Increasing your ability to bend backward will increase your ability to trust and to enjoy life!