Cross-legged seated pose is sanctuary from stress

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Welcome back to the second week of our On-the-Go series! I hope you’ve enjoyed playing with intention setting in your everyday life. Today’s tip assists setting an intention by stopping, sitting and being with your breath. Taking the time to move out of your head and into your body is powerful. As we continue to explore our practice of healthy living, I want to encourage you to spend time “being” rather than always “doing.” No easy task, I know!

To get started, take a moment to be in your body. Find a comfortable place to sit still and simply experience your breath. Bend your knees and place your heels with one in front of the other. If your knees are above your hips, sit on the edge of a blanket, pillow, yoga block or phone book to elevate your hips and release any tension in the hips or knees. Ideally, your hips would be higher than your knees. If a cross-legged position is not comfortable, sit on the edge of a chair with your feed under your knees. Rest your hands onto your thighs, lengthen through the crown of your head, and draw your shoulder blades in toward one another and then down your back as your chest lifts. Close your eyes and feel each inhale and each exhale. Just be.

Kimberly Wilson is the founder of Tranquil Space Yoga

and Tranquil Space Foundation. Visit kimberlywilson.com.

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