Travel Yoga (5 page)

Imagine a string pulling upward at the crown of your head. Feel your spine lift into a straight line.

Let your shoulders relax downward and back, soften your jaw, relax your forehead, lower your chin, and don't forget to breathe.

To help yourself stay calm, breathe in and out in a slow, steady rhythm.

Notice that when your chest rises outward, your back immediately straightens, you naturally take a deep breath, and your shoulders and neck rise and align.

Can you feel the difference? This simple shift in posture improves not only your physical well-being, but also your mood.

Place your hands on your hips.

With your legs hip-width apart, bend both knees slightly.

Make wide, full circles with your hips, and remember to smile.

Next, place your hands on your lower back, fingers pointing downward.

Tighten your buttocks and stretch your upper body backward.

Breathe and relax into the stretch.

Life is not so short but that there is always time for courtesy
.

—Ralph Waldo Emerson

Interlace your fingers behind your back, bend forward and slowly raise your arms.

Let your chest rise, and breathe into the stretch.