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PrintOpen and Blossom with Bridge Pose
Photography by Lewis Metts
"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." –Anais Nin
If you are remaining tight in a bud, scared because of things that have happened in the past, you are holding yourself back. You aren't allowing YOU to be seen, loved and appreciated. But, if you will take the risk, open and blossom…YOU comes alive. You will love as you have never before you will experience love as you have never before. You will have a much greater sense of gratitude.
You are discovering who you are and that is a constant journey. You will evolve many times over. Your path to who you are will continue throughout your life and no matter where your path takes you or what experiences you embark on you are always linked to your Self with your mind-body-spirit connection. This threefold path of oneness is your own personal map to the YOU that often feels lost or mixed up. Cross the bridge back to mind, body and spirit with the heart opening Bridge Pose.
To begin Bridge Pose lie on your mat with feet firmly planted on the floor hip width apart and knees bent. As you exhale lift the pelvis from the floor, keeping thighs and feet parallel. Clasp the hands beneath the lifted pelvis and roll the shoulders under one at a time. Lift the pelvis further toward the ceiling, allow the chest to open and the neck, shoulders and face to relax. Adjust the upper body so that you are resting on your shoulders and not the shoulder blades. Hold the pose for 30-60 seconds. Release by exhaling and rolling the spine down slowly to the floor, unclasping the hands as you go. Never drop quickly from Bridge Pose.
Do not perform this pose if you have knee or neck injuries or are in later term pregnancy.
This pose calms the brain, opens the chest and the heart chakra. It promotes relaxation and reduces stress. Bridge Pose also stretches the neck, hips and spine. It can also improve digestion, ease depression, reduce headaches, backaches, insomnia, fatigue and anxiety. This pose is a literal bridge back to the Self. So, on those days when it seems easier to remain tight in a bud, you feel lost, your body aches or your mind is having a not-so-good-terrible-very-bad-day, remember Bridge Pose and again turn to the yoga mat to reconnect with your mind/body/spirit connection that is always there, even when you fear it is not. You are unending and limitless; the only obstacle is yourself. Take the risk. Open and blossom.
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.
