Resilient

Recognizing and acknowledging you are in a difficult situation calls for focus, fortitude and courage, coupled with the resilience to withstand or recover from that challenge. It could be as fleeting as an evening out with "un-likeminded" people or as lengthy as dealing with a long-term illness and the after effects of it. It might be that you find yourself in the awkward conundrum of having to listen, not judge, even when you know you have a better solution. The practice of yoga teaches us flexibility and internal grace, but it also teaches us resilience. Each time we roll out our mat and step on to it, the practice becomes a new challenge, even if we are doing the same pose we did yesterday. A resilient yogini finds it deep within her to make today a fresh experience.

Gnarly Tree, Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce, Utah

"I am resilient."

Yoga Pose: Low Lunge Anjaneyasana

Even if you did this yesterday, find a new way to appreciate the many nuances of this grounding pose. Maybe focus on your legs or how your chest expands.

Foundation. Start in a kneeling position. Set your intention.

Stance. Step your right foot forward so that your right knee is in a 90 degree angle (or more), with your foot in line with your outer hip. You will feel a comfortable stretch in your left front thigh and groin area. Be sure to have the top of your back foot on the ground.

Torso & Arms. Inhale and lift your torso upright. Sweep your arms out to the sides and up overhead. Release your shoulders away from your ears. Draw your tailbone down toward the ground and lift your pubic bone toward your navel. Lift your chest from the strength of your shoulder blades against the back torso.

Gaze. Tilt your head back to gaze upward. Reach your fingertips to the sky. Expand your body in all directions, energizing the pose. Hold for several breaths. Release your arms down and press back to a kneeling position.

B R E A T H E

[Repeat on other side]

Medina Lake, Lakehills, Texas