TWIST INTO BLISS

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One of our first modern day Yoga teachers in a twist...

I was on Lanikai beach in Hawaii some summers ago - early morning. The quiet sounds of the water inspired me to take in deep cleansing breaths. The early morning slight breeze was magnificent. I was ready to practice my Yoga. To practice Yoga in such a beautiful place was superb. I sat on my mat gazing into the ocean. I gently began to connect with my breath, soften my eyes and energize my spine. It was perfect. I started with a twist to energize. Left then right. Then something amazing happened, after a final exhale to find just a little more space in the twist I felt complete. I felt grounded. I felt a ripple of pure love energy zip up my spine into my head and into my breath. Woa. What a feeling. What a release. Was one single twist all I needed? Yes! Then, I jumped into the ocean and floated. I let my skin soak up the salt water. I listened to the breathtaking sounds of the ocean...Yoga rules. Yoga graciously gives you exclusive moments that are you and unique only to you.  

Ardha Matsyendrasana - the basic twist. There is no doubt, the twist is a beautiful pose. There are many variations and they all offer amazing health benefits. Practicing twists regularly will massage and nourish the deep muscles in the spine and give it flexibility. Spinal twists promote extra blood to the spinal nerves, tone up sluggish abdominal organs and are great for the hips and waistline. When you practice the twist you will come to feel and know all the above.

Here is one very simple twist for you to practice today.
12 Easy Steps

1. Sit on the floor - Stretch your legs out
Keep both buttocks connected to the floor
2. Sit up - make your spine feel long - don't puff your chest out - imagine your lower pelvis tucking under
3. Connect with your breath - just be aware of your inhales and exhales
4. Step your right foot over your left leg
5. Right foot flat on the floor - Right ankle hugged near your left knee
6. Now - you can either hug the crook of your left elbow around your right knee
or simply grab your right ankle with your left hand
7. Gently wrap your right arm around behind you or if you're up to it wrap the back of your right hand around the lower left back
8. Now twist to the right easy
9. As you inhale find space in your spine by sitting up a bit straighter
10. As you exhale twist keeping the length in your spine
11. Since you are twisting to the right, I suggest when you inhale be conscious that you are lifting your left side spine a bit more, then as you exhale you twist beautifully to your right side
12. Switch to other side and do the same just reverse the steps!

There is no goal. Please twist into what feels good for you. Just make sure you are breathing. Stay relaxed. Stay focused on your breath. After all, your breath is your life.