Unfold

Open yourself up to the unknown and the uncertain. Unfold your heart to the possibility of what lies ahead. As each day dawns, new experiences, new people and new adventures await you...as long as you are open to them. Rather than prejudging and thinking you already know the outcome, step outside your comfort zone to find a new way of doing things, meeting someone new or exploring a path you have yet to walk. Hike through a meadow to find a beautiful iris nestled amongst a sea of green. The next awesome opportunity is there just waiting for you to recognize it and grasp it. Unfold your heart and open your spirit - get ready - amazing things will happen.

Wild Iris, Little Diamond Lake, Newport, Washington

"I unfold to life's possibilities."

Yoga Pose: Extended Side Angle Pose Utthita Parsvakonasana

A grounded pose that lets your side body and heart unfold to the world.

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 your 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 your left knee presses away from the mid-line.

Arms. Lift and expand your arms to shoulder height. Palms down, passing through Warrior II.

Torso. Exhale and extend your torso to the left directly over the left leg, bending from the left hip, not your waist. Anchor this movement by strengthening your right leg. Rotate your torso to the right, keeping the two sides of your torso equally long. Lengthen your tailbone toward the back heel. Set your left forearm on your left thigh with your palm up. Do not allow your weight to drop into your left arm, but have your core hold the pose. 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 to look at the ground in front of your left foot.

Timing. Stay in this pose for several breaths. Inhale to come up, strongly pressing your back heel into the earth and reaching your top arm to the sky. Return to Tadasana.

B R E A T H E

[Repeat on the other side]

Lovers' Leap. Custer State Park, Custer, South Dakota