by Sue Schaffer, Instructor/Owner, The Live it Well Place Gold Canyon
Change, growth and newness are inevitable forces of Mother Nature that reshape our world every season and influence our life perspective every day.
How can you blossom year-round? Can you visualize the opportunity to create the right components for a new life, habits and healthy changes? One step, one change, can sometimes be all that is necessary to launch a person into a happier lifestyle.
Turning upside down can expand your perspective, along with grounding and energizing you.
One way to energize while reflecting about your intention is to spend time with your legs up the wall, a yoga practice that drains lymphatic fluid and blood from the legs to enhance detoxification.
Up-the-wall pose
- Sit on the floor next to a wall. Lower your shoulders and head to the floor, lying on your side. Then roll onto your back and stretch your legs up the wall, with your feet hip-distance apart or whatever distance feels comfortable.
- Adjust your position by scooting your tailbone toward the wall; no need to touch the wall.
- If your lower back is uncomfortable, you can put a folded blanket under your hips. You also can wrap a strap or blanket around your legs so they rest in place without effort.
- Find a comfortable position for your arms at your side, with palms turned up; relax your arms and shoulders.
- Relax your legs against the wall; release all effort. You might feel your femurs sink into your hip sockets. Feel the spine lengthening. Settle into the pose and breathe for at least 10 minutes.
- To come out of the pose, bend your knees and roll to your side. Remain here for a few breaths before using the strength of your arms to slowly push yourself away from the wall and back up to seated.
