Open

To OPEN is to offer access or to move from shut to admit passage. What is waiting on the perimeter of your consciousness that you have closed off, but it is time to let in? It could be an exciting adventure, a rekindled passion, a new friend or a redefined truth. Let your body, mind and spirit open to the possibilities that lie ahead of you. Open a window to your soul to see what awaits you.

Knapp Castle, Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara, California

"I open myself to the endless

possibilities of life."

Yoga Pose: Upward Facing Dog Pose Urdhva Mukha Svanasana

Although this pose is a back bend, think of Upward Facing Dog as opening and expanding your heart center.

Foundation. From a prone position, stretch your legs back with the tops of your feet on the ground or toes tucked under. Set your intention. Bend your elbows and place your hands (with fingers spread apart) at your mid-chest area, so that your forearms are relatively perpendicular to the ground.

Move. On an inhalation, press your hands firmly into the ground and start to straighten your elbows. As you straighten your arms, simultaneously lift your torso and legs off the ground.

Legs. Keep the thighs fully engaged, pressing out through the feet.

Arms. Turn your arms so that the elbow creases face forward. Allow the shoulder blades to broaden and release down the back body. Draw the elbows towards the torso.

Torso. Lift the pubis toward the navel. Firm the buttocks, but maintain an overall softness. Lift through the top of the sternum without pushing the front ribs forward.

Gaze. Soften your gaze and look straight ahead or slightly upward, without compressing the neck. Hold. Exhale to come out of the pose either by releasing gently to the earth or pressing yourself into Downward Facing Dog.

B R E A T H E

Chimney Rock, Pagosa Springs, Colorado