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A Bit of Yoga You Can do Right Now
There are two poses in particular that help with trust and surrender
There are two poses in particular that help with trust and surrender. Forward bends are all about surrender and back bends are emblematic of trust.
A handy variation of the forward bend you can stick in anywhere, anytime is the supported forward bend. Facing the kitchen counter, the table, the checkout counter or your desk, place your hands on its edge with the fingers pointing away from you. Walk backwards away from the counter (leaving your hands in place) until your body is as near parallel to the floor as possible and your legs are vertical. Now, with your torso supported by your hips and hands, let it relax toward the floor. Hold this position for several deep breaths.
This pose opens the shoulders, stretches the back and counteracts the perennial slump that some of us have picked up over the years. It also stretches the hips.
If you do a forward bend, you need to balance it with a backbend.
Standing with your back to the counter (or, it the counter is too high for you, a table) place your hands on the edge of the counter with your thumbs toward your body. Leaning on your hands, step away from the counter as far as is comfortable. Hold this position for several deep breaths.
This pose opens the chest, strengthens the abdominal muscles and stretches the front of the hips. Metaphysically, backbends are about trust and trust is something a lot of us have trouble with, so be gentle with yourself.
If standing is not an option for you, you can sit on the edge of your bed or the front edge of your chair. Plant your feet solidly on the floor and spread your feet and knees far enough apart that your chest can fit between your knees. Inhaling, lift your arms up over your head. Exhaling, bend forward from the hips keeping your back straight as long as possible. Then, let everything relax and hang down.
For a seated back bend, start out by placing your hands on the mattress just slightly behind your hips. As you inhale, lift your chest toward the ceiling and lean backward on your hands. Gently bend your elbows until you are supported by them. If you are in a chair, sit toward the front edge, rest your hands on your lower back, inhale and arch your back. Let your head drop back and breathe deeply for several breaths.
The spirit in me salutes the spirit in you. We're all in bodies together.