Yoga JournalUSA-January-February_2017

51

february 2017

yogajournal.com

HOME PRACTICE

practice well

PRANA IS THE life-force

energy that can be described

as our sense of feeling alive

and well, the spark of curios-

ity, the seed of exploration,

and the catalyst that compels

us toward communion. So,

it’s no surprise that it’s also

synonymous with our sexual

energy. But more than just

a driver of procreation or of

the pursuit of pleasure, our

sexuality inspires, animates,

and draws us into passionate

love affairs with both intimate

partners and the world around

us. Through intention, sexual

energy can be directed to help

cultivate thriving total health.

The following sequences

draw from ancient Taoist

and Tantric energy practices

as well as modern science.

They send energy and oxy-

gen-rich blood to the organs

in your pelvic bowl (such as

the colon, bladder, rectum,

and reproductive organs).

Increased circulation is

required for sexual arousal,

and it heals and strengthens

organ tissues. What’s more,

attention to our muladhara

(root) chakra—the dynamic

pelvic floor—activates the

connection to our sexual

well-being. Practice these

sequences together or indi-

vidually as you need them.

SEQUENCE CONTINUES ON PAGE 52

awaken your sexual vitality

By Lara Catone

PHOTOS: JEFF NELSON; MODEL: LARA CATONE; STYLIST: TINA GILL; HAIR/MAKEUP: SHELLEY KAMSTRA; TOP: IVY PARK; BOTTOMS: QUEEN OF HEARTS CLOTHING

A home practice to

2 Pelvic Rocks

Place your hands on your kneecaps. As you

inhale, roll toward the front of your pelvis,

drawing your heart forward and bringing your

gaze toward the sky. As you exhale, rock to the

back of your pelvis, round through your spine,

and release your chin toward your chest.

Repeat 10 times.

3 Heart Circles

Ground through your seat and circulate your

torso in wide circles above your pelvis. Try

varying the speed and then notice the effect.

Repeat 7–10 times in each direction.

1 Body Blessing

In a cross-legged seat, hold your hands open to the sky with your pinky fingers touching. Breathe into

your pelvic bowl 5 times while setting an intention for this practice. Raise your hands over the crown of

your head and slowly brush them over your head, down the back of your neck, and then over your heart

(shown). At your solar plexus (located at the pit of your stomach), bring your hands to your back and

brush over your kidneys, then down your legs all the way to your feet. Repeat three times.

Get grounded

SEQUENCE ONE

6 moves to help you tune in