Welcome back to the fourth week of our On-the-Go series! I hope last week’s reminder to breathe, get moving and regroup helped you discover a sense of inner balance. This week’s dose is a yoga pose that is easily done while dashing around town to bring you back into balance — literally.
Begin in a standing position and feel a connection to the earth. Shift your weight into your left foot. Hug your right knee into your chest. Open your knee to the right and place your right foot at the inner left ankle or inner thigh. Bring your hands to prayer in front of your heart. If you feel unsteady, face a wall to ensure you can easily come back to balance. Take a few deep breaths. Inhale, exhale. Once you feel steady, inhale and extend your arms up over your head. Soften your shoulders away from your ears. Focus on a spot in front of you to help stabilize. Create space in your body by lifting your ribs off your waist and release any tension that you’re holding — especially in the jaw. Breathe here 30 seconds to three minutes.
For a variation, extend your arms out to the sides to help you balance, interlace your hands above your head and turn your palms to face up, or take a side bend. Release and repeat on the other side.
Physically this pose strengthens your legs, opens the hips and inner thighs, and improves a sense of balance. Mentally it reminds us to stay grounded and reaching toward the stars while staying focused — a perfect analogy for life.
Kimberly Wilson is the founder of Tranquil Space Yoga and Tranquil Space Foundation. Visit kimberlywilson.com.
