eXplore

To EXPLORE is to traverse or move for the purpose of discovery. And maybe, just maybe, to find a hidden treasure. Explore your options. Find a new vantage point and see what lies ahead. Discover a new way of completing routine tasks. Take a different road on your walk. Try drinking iced chai instead of hot coffee. Wake up earlier. Take a yoga class from a different teacher. You might amaze yourself at what you discover. Exploratory adventures do not have to be extreme, just different.

View from a Hot Air Balloon, Sonoran Desert, Phoenix, Arizona

"I explore my options."

Yoga Pose: Revolved Wide Legged Forward Fold Pose

Parivrtta Prasarita Padottanasana

Explore your spinal range of motion, relieve lower back pain and decrease anxiety with this twisting forward fold.

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

Stance. Step or jump your feet 3-4' apart. Your feet should be parallel to each other (or slightly turned in). Keep your weight evenly distributed on your feet without collapsing your arches.

Legs. Continue to maintain action in your legs to create a strong base for revolving your torso.

Torso. Lengthen your spine. Relax your shoulders. Fold forward from the hips.

Arms. Place your right hand on the ground (or a block) directly below your heart center. Spread the fingers of the right hand wide apart. Sweep your left hand straight up to the sky as you rotate your entire spine into a twist. Feel free to extend your fingers upward or to form a mudra with your left hand.

Gaze. Soften your jaw and eyes. Rotate your head as part of the twist, but keep your chin softened toward your shoulder to prevent hyperextension of the neck.

Timing. Hold for 30 seconds or longer. Sweep your left arm down to meet the right hand. Return to an upright position.

B R E A T H E

[Repeat on the other side]

Cape Kiwanda, Pacific City, Oregon