Bridge

A bridge is a gorgeous structure that provides a passage way over an obstacle, it clears a path, and assists on our journey. In life we come across many physical and metaphorical bridges. Some bridges we cross, pass under, gaze upon, and sometimes even burn. Every bridge has a purpose, memory and place in our journey. In yoga we perform our bridge pose (setu bandha saravangasana) which is a back bend pose that opens the chest/heart chakra, strengthens the spine, improves spinal flexibility and strengthens the tushy and thighs region. (Yes, I said "tushy"). Just like in life, a Yoga Bridge is beautiful, strong, and has a special purpose for our heart.

• Begin lying on your back.
• Keeping the soles of your feet on the mat, bend your knees with heels close to tush.
• Inhale and lift your pelvis up to the sky
• Gently roll your shoulders under, interlace fingers, pressing them into the floor while raising hips higher.
• Keep your feet parallel and draw your chest toward your chin, continue to breathe.
• Exhale and release your hands to the sides, and lower upper, middle and lower back down to the mat.
• Allow your knees to fall in and rest.

Variations include holding ankles, lifting one leg (intermediate) and coming into the pose from shoulder stand (advanced). Whatever bridge you come across in life or in yoga, enjoy, learn and breathe! Namaste ~ www.zogayoga.com