HUNT / December 2011 / Seated Spinal Twist

 Email  Print

Seated Spinal Twist

“Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power.”  —Seneca

The everyday barrage of occurrences and experiences shock our system but are the grand labyrinth we call Life. In life, we are assailed by criticism, judgment, anger and blame—just as we criticize, judge, anger and blame. When others criticize us or judge us openly it’s very easy to fall into that drama; to believe that what they say is true. Truth, it is not, though we believe it time and time again. When we believe these things—the lies that are criticism and judgment—we lose a bit of our power. When we are critical and judgmental of others, we lose a bit more of our power. When we lash out in anger against someone’s actions or blame someone for our own choices, our own lives, we lose even more of our power. When we choose to not forgive, we give away our power. When we rely on others to make us happy, we give away our power. When we don’t accept life as it is, wish it were different, sit in regret, resent ourselves and others for choices made and allow others to control us, we are giving away our power. With so many parts of ourselves being given away it’s a wonder we have any power left to carry on.

The wealth of our power lies in our lower abdomen. Many feel anxiety and worry here and the energy gets bound and cannot move. Seated-Spinal Twist stimulates our power, releasing blocked energy, suppressed emotions, negative self-talk, anger and worry. This pose stimulates the liver and kidneys and stretches the shoulders, hips and neck. Seated-Spinal Twist is a tonic for the entire body opening, lengthening, stimulating, nourishing and realigning the spine. It also fuels the nervous, digestive and reproductive systems.

To enter Seated-Spinal Twist, sit with knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Slide your left foot under your right leg so that the heel of the left foot rests at the bottom of the right hip. Move the right foot over the left leg and place the right foot on the floor touching the outside of the left thigh. Exhale and twist toward the right pressing your hand into the floor behind you for balance and stability. Place your left elbow on the outside of the right knee. Bring your torso and right thigh together. Lengthen the torso and turn your head to look out over the extended right hand. As you breathe, allow the body to twist deeper with each exhalation. Allow the sternum, spine, shoulders, neck and hips to release any tension or tightness. (Repeat both sides. Do not perform this twist if you have recent or chronic hip, back or shoulder injury or inflammation.)

As you twist, feel the energy of the pose in the power center of your abdomen. Allow the energy there to unfold and expand while allowing your Self to unfold and expand. With each inhale and exhale feel the energy release; let go of the things that take your power. Utilize Seated-Spinal Twist often and re-claim your personal power!

 

M/Gatlianne is an Author, Yoga Instructor, Interfaith Minister and Holistic Health & Reiki Practitioner based in Athens, AL. For more information, contact her at M@Gatlianne.com or visit Gatlianne.com, DeepRiversHealing.com, or DiscoverPath.com.