Awareness

"The pose strengthens and tones the shoulder girdle, abdomen, low spine, and legs, and can deepen your sense of equanimity, trust, and open-heartedness. Try practicing this pose outside, on the earth and beneath the open sky, and feel how the actions of this pose orchestrate with the currents of energy and intention flowing throughout your body."

"As you practice the pose, feel the dedicated effort in your body and within your intentions. As you remember your breath and keep a soft gaze, can you honor your connection to earth and sky - and feel the outer world support your inner "being" in the pose? As the pose evolves in your body, can you rest peacefully in your awareness of your place in Nature, and the many gifts that come from that awareness?"

Reflection: When I am in the pose, through exerting my efforts to maintaining balance, structure, and alignment, I breathe into that and derive a sense of earned peace through my hard work and efforts. In grasping the earth and extending my arm to the sky, I do feel closer to the earth and nature as my blood-flow generates a moving current within myself.