Featured Asana

PASCHIMA means "the west" This pose stretches the western part of the body, which is the entire back from the head to the heels. From a sitting position with the legs extended straight out the upper body stretches up from the pelvis, arms over the head. The upper body bends forward the hands reaching toward the feet. Relaxing into the pose creates a sense of releasing into a place of surrender and humility.

Cautions:
For tight hamstrings, please bend the knees.You can also do the forward bend while sitting in a chair. Another option is to sit on the floor using a  bolster or folded blanket under the hips to tilt the pelvis, or on the thighs to support the upper body. Lovingly let go, and breathe.

Benefits:
All the internal organs are massaged, while the hamstrings and low back are stretched. Surrender is the important lesson this asana teaches. There is a softening and an expansion from deep within.

Submitted from Dariel Vogel. SOYA Teacher Trainer for the Okanagan area.