to the right. Again, breathe easily into the pose, using
your breath to increase your flexibility. As you become
more flexible, reach around and grasp the ankle of the foot
that is placed on the floor. Hold for ten seconds, then
return to center.
Close your eyes for a few moments and put your
attention on your spine. Envision the life force flowing up
from the base of your spine through your pelvis, into your
abdomen, up through your heart, through your throat,
between your eyes, and into your head. Imagine the
thousand-petal lotus flower at your crown chakra opening.
Activate the intention to live your life from a more
expanded state of awareness as a result of energy flowing
freely through your body.
According to Vedic mythology, Lord Shiva was instruct-
ing his consort Parvati on the essence of yoga on the
shore of a remote island. Shiva noticed that a fish was lis-
tening intently to the discourse. Moved by the fish’s con-
centration, Shiva gave a blessing over the aquatic animal,
enabling it to assume a celestial form, whom Shiva named
Matsyendra, or Lord of the Fishes. This pose is named in
honor of this unusual sentient being.
CHAKRASANA—KNEELINGWHEEL
From the spinal twist pose, roll your legs around so that you
are on your knees with your feet close together behind
you. Arch your back and grasp your right ankle with your
right hand and your left ankle with your left hand. Raise
your hips up toward the ceiling while allowing your head
to relax backward. Breathe easily in this position for
Consciousness in Motion 167