pose of the week: reverse warrior

Viparita Virabhadrasana

How to do it:

1. From warrior 2, turn your front palm up while bringing it over your head, resting your back hand on your leg.

2. Keeping the front knee bent and directly over the ankle, reach the rear hand down as you open the chest to come into a backbend.

3. Slowly bring your gaze up.

Hold for 5-10 breaths then repeat on the other side

Benefits:

• Stretches the side of the torso and arms
• Opens the hips and strengthens the legs 
• Builds lower body strength 

preparing for take off!

I will be going on the longest flight of my life: two days to be exact (with travel and wait time). Leaving Monday and not arriving til Wednesday, Lord help me!

I am going to where my mother was born, the beautiful Philippines. For those of you that know me, I am the worst traveler. I always get sick, so fingers crossed I make it there…and back in one piece. I have so many emotions running through me: excited, nervous, happy, scared…I really don’t know what to expect, except that I will be seeing and meeting my entire family, which I’ve only come to know through pictures and videos.

It will be adventure that I can’t wait to share with you all. Stay tuned…

J <3

pose of the week: wide-legged forward bend A

Prasarita Padottanasana A

How to do it:

1. Start with your legs comfortably wide apart, and hands on your hips. On an inhale, open the chest and gaze up.

2. As you exhale, fold over the legs, releasing your hands to the floor (you may also rest your hands on a block if you can’t touch the groud).

3. Inhale, lengthen the spine, then exhale begin to walk your hands back in line with your feet. Relax your head, roll your shoulders away from the ears and draw your elbows in, keeping your hands shoulder width apart.

4. Keep your legs active (you may also bend your knees slightly)

Hold for 5-10 breaths then brings your hands onto your hips and slowly come all the way up. 

Benefits:

• Strengthens and stretches the inner and back legs and the spine
• Tones the abdominal organs
• Calms the brain
• Relieves mild backache

child's play

Thank you Camp Green Acres for all the fun in the sun! Twice a week for the month of July was jammed pack with kids yoga in the scorching heat. I will truly miss all the wonderful children, and their kind and sweet words when I left. Hope to see you again next year!

Jess xo