If you've been following this blog, you'll know that my recent yoga practice has primarily consisted of one-pose wonders...relocating to another country, even if only temporarily, can throw a wrench in your yoga practice/fitness endeavors. But I was inspired by a recent post on elephant journal to do my best to accept what is. In other words, take what I can get. Today was a special treat: my daughter occupied herself quietly while I practiced the standing and finishing postures in the Ashtanga series, and she even came and massaged me while I was in savasana. Bliss! Tomorrow, we move into our new, much more spacious flat, and Sunday - gasp - I may even be able to attend my first yoga class in London.
IMHO, some of the best one-pose wonders are super simple. Not much to 'em, and you can easily do them almost anywhere. It doesn't get much simpler than this one: folding forward, with a restorative twist - balance your bum on a wall. And stay there for awhile.
The How-to:
- Stand up with your back on a wall, your feet about a foot (or less) away from the wall.
- Fold forward. Slowly. If your hamstrings are tight or your low back sensitive, bend your knees as you do so.
- Take hold of opposite elbows.
- Be sure to let your head and neck completely relax, and keep your knees slightly bent if needed. Otherwise, work towards straight legs to open up the muscles in the backs of the legs.
- Let all your holiday stress pour out the top of your head.
If you're overloaded at work, short on sleep, or even in the middle of a holiday fête, you can take a breather with this pose and soothe your frazzled nerves. Happy Holi-daze.
Labels: One-Pose Wonder, Yoga
