3 ARCHER WARRIOR OF LOVE
Standing at the top of your mat, step your left foot back, placing the left heel
down so the pinkie-edge side of the foot is parallel with the back edge of the
mat. Bend the right knee so it is directly over the right ankle. On an inhale, open
the arms wide. On the exhale, take the left hand all the way to the right hand and,
as if you were drawing the string of a bow, bend your left arm, taking the elbow
back (A). On the next inhale, hold the pose and think about someone you love,
maybe even exclaiming his or her name. On the exhale, lift the right arm up, tilt
the left elbow down, and release your arrow into the air, sending out a message
of love (B). Repeat on the other side. Use this pose to consider all the people you
love in your life—or maybe just one who might need a little extra love right
now—and commit to sharing your love freely, as a child would.4 BIG JET PLANE
Stand at the top of your mat with your feet hip-width apart. On an inhale, bring
weight into the right leg, draw the navel in, and extend the arms along your sides
as if they were airplane wings. On the exhale, keep the gaze forward, begin to tilt
the torso forward, and lift the left leg off the ground behind you. Hold the pose
for 5 breaths and imagine where you want to go on your next adventure. If you
fall, remember that—like many hiccups in life—it’s just a small stumble on your
journey, and you can get back up and try again. Repeat on the other side.5 SUPPORTED TREE
Stand at the top of your mat, feet hip-distance apart, side by side with your
buddy. On an inhale, press your open palms out to the side, meeting one of your
buddy’s. On an exhale, press your right foot into the ground, and imagine your-
self growing roots out through your soles. On the next inhale, bring the left foot
to the inside of the right leg, either above or below the knee. Hold the pose for 5
full breaths. Feel the support of your friend and the earth. Notice how you can do
more together than you could on your own. If practicing solo, you can use a wall
for support. Repeat on the other side. Whether using the wall or your buddy’s
hand, recognize that there’s always someone or something out there to support
your pursuit of play. And keep in mind that you don’t have to do everything on
your own—it’s OK to ask for help or company.3
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5
A
B