Amaze

To AMAZE is to overwhelm with sudden wonder: to astonish. What can you do today to amaze yourself? The moment is now. Amaze yourself...accomplish that long anticipated project. Amaze yourself...hold an intense yoga pose a breath or two longer than you expected. Amaze yourself...be compassionate, even when those around you are not kind. Just one act, one move, one word can change your attitude and strengthen your resolve.

Sunrise, Columbus, Texas

"I amaze myself

with my ____________

(creativity, gracefulness, kindness)"

Yoga Pose: Extended Side Angle Pose Utthita Parsvakonasana

An intense pose that strengthens and stretches your legs, arms and side body.

Foundation. Start in Tadasana - Mountain Pose. Set your intention.

Stance. Step your feet about 4 feet apart. Turn your left foot out 90 degrees. Turn your back toes slightly to the left. Press the outer right heel firmly to the ground. Bend your left knee to a 90 degree angle, keep the shin perpendicular to the ground so the knee does not extend past the toes. Make sure the left knee presses away from the mid-line.

Arms. Lift and expand your arms to shoulder height. Palms down.

Torso. Exhale and extend your torso to the left directly over the left leg, bending from the left hip joint, not the waist. Anchor this movement by strengthening the right leg. Rotate the torso to the right, keeping the two sides of the torso equally long. Let the left hip fold. Lengthen the tailbone toward the back heel. Rest your left forearm on your left thigh. Stretch your right arm toward the sky and then to a 45 degree angle to the left, to create a long line from your heel to your fingertips.

Gaze. Soften your jaw and eyes. Keep your head in a neutral position or turn it to look at your right hand.

Timing. Stay in this pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Inhale to come up, strongly pressing the back heel into the earth and reaching the top arm to the sky.

B R E A T H E

[Repeat on the other side]

Arches National Park, Moab, Utah