Asana on a Monday: Ardha Matsyendrasana

I cannot believe that this is my last week in Stockholm until the summer.  The next few months in New York will be focused on my mentorship with Kate and teaching my Yin/Yang class each Saturday.  Then, before I know it, I will be back in Stockholm with a work visa,  my pup, and teaching experience under my belt.  Woohoo!

Time keeps on moving and I keep walking down the path towards my goals and pursuing my passion.  I am enjoying the journey and trying to let it all sink in while living the philosophy of having life happen for me and not to me.

As Spring (slowly) approaches and change is all around me, the term 'Spring cleaning' keeps coming to mind.  Recently in my practice I have been incorporating a lot of twists to assist the body in detoxing itself. It is time to dust off the cobwebs of winter and purify ourselves for the upcoming season.  Twisting stimulates and massages the internal organs and leaves us feeling lighter and more energized.  One of my favorite twists is a classic Seated Spinal Twist (or Ardha Matsyendrasana).  The posture is accessible and is a great way for yogis of all levels to get into a deep and detoxifying twist. 

To get into the pose:
 

Start in a seated position with both legs straight out in front of you. Bend the right knee and cross the right foot to the outside of the left hip or thigh - keeping the sole of the foot on the mat

Bend the left knee so that the left foot ends up close to the outer right hip. Keep both sit bones firmly grounded on the mat. If both sit bones are not grounded, extend the left leg back out in front of you

Start to twist your chest to the right and bring the right fingertips close to the sacrum, lengthening the spine. The torso revolves around the spine. Place the left elbow to the outside of the right thigh, gently deepening the twist. Fix your gaze to a spot over the right shoulder. Inhale to lengthen the spine, exhale to twist deeper

Exhale to slowly come out of the pose. A counter twist always feels delicious. Switch sides

Happy Spring cleaning, yogis!!