MODEL: MARY BETH LARUE; STYLIST: ASHLEY TURNER/HAZEL & PINE; HAIR/MAKEUP: MICHELLE HODNETT; TOP: ATHLETA; BRA: LULULEMON; BOTTOMS: MANDUKA; TRIANGLE NECKLACE: THE NESHAMA PROJECT; MOON NECKLACE: SHAKTI JEWELRY; ALL OTHER JEWELRY; MODEL’S OWNOPEN UP TO
When the second chakra is balanced, you can meet
challenges with curiosity and playfulness, rather than
letting your emotions carry you away or, alternatively,
experiencing a knee-jerk reaction of shutting down or
becoming defensive. Because most of us suffer from tight
hips, this practice focuses on opening the physical seat
of the second chakra. LaRue warns that a hip-opening
practice can make us feel vulnerable. If that applies to
you, bring your awareness to your breath to find a
grounding sense of stability as you practice.With the following 11 poses, LaRue creates a safe space
for you to step into your potential. “Pay attention as you
move through this sequence to see where you encounter
resistance, then use your breath to soften that resistance,”
says LaRue. Find a distraction-free space outdoors or in
your home and set an intention for your practice, some-
thing that either reminds you of your life goals or inspires
you to reach for them. Encourage yourself to move cre-
atively or intuitively, which may bring about a more
open-minded way of being. Then, see how this sense
of fluidity travels with you off the mat.1