February 25th, 2016

Find your center anywhere, any shape, any form. All you need to do is breathe.

This is a Passé. It is a ballet form that means to pass. It is very similar to the yoga tree pose, vriksanana, which can help to find your passé, your roots and your breath. The main difference between passé and vriksasana is in the standing leg. The ballet form teaches from a turned out body and the yoga form from a parallel position, however they both radiate and connect from deep within the spinal column. They are also similar in the external rotation of the lifted leg and the carriage of the torso and arms to facilitate the movement and awareness of the breath. You have all that you need to be centered NOW.  Let's face it, if we do not breathe, well you know.... So find your breath!!! Find it in all things, anywhere you are and when you loose the connection, guide yourself back. One thing I like is to just pick one thing to notice about your breath.  One thing!  Maybe the way it feels, the way it sounds, where it is in your body, the quality of the air, or maybe you can see your breath as a visual coming in and out of the body.  However you connect to the breath is can be unique to you.  So be sure to take a pause in your day, wherever you may be to and take 5 consciouss breaths.  

30 second  Practice :
*Set your alarm on your phone for a time you know you will have a few moments. When you the bell rings, turn it off, sit up or stand tall right where you are and follow 5 breaths.  If you are somewhere you can close your eyes do so, if not, no problem just relax your eyes a bit and follow the breath.  
*If you would like to supercharge your breath you can add an essential oil to the palm of your hand (Lavender, Peppermint, Frankincense) and breathe deeply.

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Extended Practice:
1. Stand tall take 3-5 deep breaths.  Allow your arms to raise on the inhale and to lower on the exhale.  
2. Shift your weight to your right take your knee out to the side and place the foot to the inner leg, ball of the foot to floor, foot to calf or above the knee.  Stand fully on your right leg and give your breath awareness and focus.  Allow your eyes to rest on one point. 3-5 breaths.
​3. Turn the knee in, lift the knee and stand back on two feet evenly.
4. Shift weight to left and repeat on left side steps 2 & 3.
5. Stand tall on two feet once again, let your palms meet at your chest and enjoy your day!

​Vriksasana (Tree Pose):  
Is a grounded and uplifting pose (asana).  It helps to strengthen the legs, focus, breath and balance.  Energetically it is calming and energizing.

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