Quest

To QUEST is to search for or to seek something valuable or to go on an adventurous expedition. In pursuit of your truth and how you want to live your life, what guides you through the fog? Having a set of personal guidelines, what you will and will not accept, including the people you surround yourself with, and staying focused on your true nature will support you as you focus on your quest. Whether it is a spiritual awakening, strong mental clarity, positive physical health or deep emotional stability, questions will arise on your quest for your truth. But with internal resolve, determination and a commitment to your goal, you will emerge into the light.

Tulalip, Washington

"My quest is finding my own truth."

Yoga Pose: Standing Half Lift Ardha Uttanasana

Often a part of Sun Salutations, Half Lift is considered a beginning level pose. It is invaluable to revisit postures like this as a foundation in basic poses allows a yogini to expand and challenge herself when questing after more advanced poses.

Foundation. Start standing in Tadasana (Mountain Pose) with your feet parallel and about hip width apart. Place your hands on your hips. Set your intention.

Move. Exhale and fold forward from your hips into full forward fold (Uttanasana). Maintain a long torso.

Legs. Push your top thighs straight back to help lengthen the front torso. Take a few breaths. Soften the bend in your knees.

Torso. Lift and flatten your spine as much as possible (please note...it is easier to flatten your back if you haven't broken it!) Continue to lengthen the front of your torso.

Arms. Keep your fingertips on the ground or set your hands on your shins. Release your shoulders away from your ears.

Gaze. Look at the area on the ground slightly forward of your feet. Stay in the pose for a few breaths. Then release back into full forward fold. To come out, bring your hands back to your hips. Lift and lengthen your front torso. Then on an inhalation, pull your tailbone down toward the floor, and stand upright, moving from the hips. Return to standing in Tadasana.

B R E A T H E

Castroville Regional Park, Castroville, Texas