legs

LUNGE POSE CHALLENGE (first step of faith)

Posted on by pennyjoliver

Anjaneysana, or more commonly called Lunge Pose.

Lunge pose is an approachable yoga pose. It stretches and builds strong sculpted legs, releasing tension in the hips. Practice Lunge Pose regularly and you may be able to raise your arms up and arch your back, engaging your entire upper body for a full body pose.

Sometimes in life, the only available form of transportation is a leap of faith. But soon the doubters appear to shut us down and freeze us up. “It’s impossible!”, screams pride. “It’s risky!”, declares experience. “It’s pointless!”, offers reason. And somewhere in the deep and mysterious chambers of our heart, a teenie tiny voice rises and whispers softly, “Give it a try”

God tells us…

…”do not fear for I am with you” Isaiah 41:10

As we lunge forward in Lunge Pose, let it be the outer expression of our heart’s willingness to take that first step of faith.

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Directions:

Step forward with your right foot and gently bend over it. Lower your hands or fingertips to your mat for balance and support. Keep your forward knee directly over your foot while straightening your back leg. Sink your hips, relax your shoulders and soften your collarbones. Inhale and exhale long and deeply for 1 minute. Then, try your other leg.

For a more intense stretch, lower your back knee and the top of your foot to your mat. Inhale long and deeply, remaining in Lunge Pose for 1-3 minutes. You may also stretch your arms up and arch backwards, also inhaling and exhalinh long and deeply.

Lay down, relax and breathe long and deeply. Where might you be leaping forward in your life?

xxoo

<3

SEATED FORWARD BEND YOGA POSE (think forward)

Posted on by pennyjoliver

DSCN2461Paschimohanasana, or more commonly known as Seated Forward Bend.

Seated forward bend is a full body stretching yoga pose. It lengthens the entire spine and massages internal organs and enhances digestion. Constipated? Practice this pose! The seated forward bending pose also stimulates the reproductive and urinary systems. It will calm the mind and improve concentration too.

For me, the seated forward bend is more a forward reaching meditation that I practice with my body as I strive to touch my toes. It doesn’t allow me to fumble backwards in my thoughts or my body. It keeps me focused on the windshield in front of me instead of the rear-view mirror behind.

As with all stretching, whether it be body, mind, or soul, resistance is bound to flare up. This pose invites you to find out how you will react –  how is that reaction useful in your daily life? Fall forward and let this pose help you realize that the essential aspect of the forward bend is not how close your head comes to your legs, but how completely you abandon yourself to the pose.

Dwell on these words in seated forward bend and stretch on!

…keep moving forward.” Philippians 3:14

Directions

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1.) Sit on floor with both legs stretched out in front of you. Press your legs firmly into the ground , especially your knees. Try to actively press through your heels. Sit up tall with shoulders down, neck stretched, and belly pulled in.

2.) Keep your torso long and stretch your arms high above your head. Feel like you could sprout another vertebrae. Inhale long and deep, leaning forward from your hips and not your waist. Lengthen your tailbone away from the back of your pelvis. Stretch forward until a small amount of tension arises. Try and grasp your toes. Exhale and release a little more into the forward bend. Stretch up again and repeat 3-10 times, inhaling and exhaling, stretching up, out and over your legs.

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1.) Once you have arrived at the maximum tension spot that is comfortable for you, inhale long and deeply 3-10 times while in this pose. Work up to 3 minutes in this pose for the best stretching results.

Be patient and courageous, continually looking forward and letting go. Let God move you to places unexplored, worlds unimagined, and mysterious landscapes of peace and joy!

HALLELUYAH!