first day of summer

Prasarita Padottanasana ~ Wide Angle/Legged Forward Fold

Prasarita : Expanded, Spread, with Outstretched Limbs

Pada : Foot
Ut : Intense (another new favorite sanskrit word, UT!)
Tan : to Stretch or Extend

HELLO SUMMER!!!

This classic pose is so rife with benefits, I suggest  getting into it and feeling them for yourself. Try different arm variations such as hands clasped behind the back, hands flat on the floor between your feet or as shown, gripping your ankles or big toes. When clasping your big toes use your forefinger and middle-finger to hook underneath with the thumb on top. Use this same talon grip for many other poses, too, such as Utthita Hasta Padangustasana (Extended Hand-To-Big-Toe Pose.)

"No man ever listened himself out of a job." –– Calvin Coolidge

Listening is the greatest gift we can give others.

Listening is being willing to be changed by what we hear. Today listen to everyone without planning what to say or thinking about something else while they are talking. Not only will this help stay present, but it also will transform your relationships. ––A Year of Living Your Yoga, Judith Lasater. 

"Let a fool Hold his tongue and he will pass for a sage." ––Pubilius Syrus First Century BC, Maxim 914

"I remind myself each morning: Nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So if I'm going to learn, I must do it by listening." ––Larry King