Innovative

Accepting where you are, what you have and who you are frees you to be innovative and creative, finding new ways to make the ordinary extraordinary or the limited unlimited. Instead of letting your mindset be one of wanting more and having more, can you find an innovative way to use what you have right here and now? Not only does it support living gently on Mother Earth, it also calms our psyches. Want to expand your garden? Ask your friends for cuttings from their gardens. Wishing you could travel abroad? Head out and explore a local attraction you have never visited. Craving spicy food? It's amazing what a little cumin, chili powder and oregano can do to plain rice. Get creative. Make the most of what you have right in front of you. An open mind, willing heart and innovation can lead to great adventure.

Trail to Short Sands Beach, Oswald West State Park, South of Cannon Beach, Oregon

"I find innovative ways

to make my life interesting."

Yoga Pose: Downward Facing Dog Adho Mukha Svanasana

Not enough space or quiet at home to do your yoga practice? Head to the beach for an unlimited yoga mat of sand!

Foundation. Begin in Tadasana (Mountain Pose). Set your intention.

Move. Inhale and fold forward from your hips. Place your hands firmly on the ground (bend your knees if you need to). Step one foot back, then the other, to create a V-shape. Lift your hips up and back as you extend your arms, without locking your elbows, into Downward Facing Dog.

Legs. Lengthen your legs, but keep a softness in your knees. Extend your heels towards the Earth, but do not worry if they do not touch down.

Torso. Let your heart center expand towards the ground, while keeping your spine long. Lengthen both sides of the torso equally. Engage the shoulder blades against the back of the rib cage.

Arms. As your arms are extended, draw your elbows towards the mid-line of the body. Slightly externally rotate your shoulders so that your elbow creases start to face forward. Keep a softness in the elbows. Spread your fingers and press your hands firmly into the ground. Draw your shoulders away from your ears to create space.

Gaze. Soften your jaw and eyes. Gaze slightly forward. Stay for several breaths. To come out of the pose, exhale, step forward to a forward fold before returning to Tadasana.

B R E A T H E

Long Beach, Washington