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Low Lunge
One of the main muscles that gets overactivated and
tightened due to stress is the psoas. Low Lunge is
a great way to release this muscle. Because of the
psoas’ proximity to the diaphragm, releasing it will
also help you breathe more easily.
HOW-TO:Step your left leg back into a lunge. Inhale
to bring your torso upright. Keep your pelvis lifted
off of your front thigh to lengthen your spine and
help you isolate your deeper hip fl exors (including
the psoas). Reach your arms overhead to open your
front body even more and to ignite your breath. Stay
here for 10-15 breaths, then repeat on the other side.
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VRKSASANA
Tree Pose
This posture can be a real-time training
ground for learning how your nervous system
responds to being startled. Remember, your
practice is not about never feeling scared (or
angry, happy, sad; you get the drift). Rather,
it’s about awareness of your feelings—and how
quickly you can return to calm.
HOW-TO:Begin standing, with your feet
together and fi rmly rooted into the fl oor. Pick
up your right leg, turn your thigh open, and
place your right foot above or below your
knee. Find a steady gaze and a comfortable
hand position. Rather than trying to balance
perfectly, allow yourself to wobble. Take 15-20
breaths; switch sides.TADASANA
Mountain Pose
This posture is a great way to stay centered
when you’re waiting to board. Energetically,
Mountain Pose connects you to both the earth
beneath and the heavens above, helping you
feel grounded even when you’re about to
travel high into the air.
HOW-TO:Stand with your feet together or
hip-width apart. Imagine the arches of your
feet are suction cups, drawing energy up from
the earth. Firm your legs and keep your chest
broad and lifted as your front ribs draw in
toward your navel. Lengthen the back of your
neck, as if the top of your head is tethered
to the heavens. Observe your breath in this
posture for 1 minute or longer.5
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