CATS

I’ve re watched the movie CATS about four times in the past few days and I have to admit I’m totally obsessed. When the film came out, the reviews across the board were horrifying! I fully recall reading a zero out of four star write up in The Chicago Tribune. 

 For me, the film, especially during this time of COVID, mesmerized me. Being familiar with the music, I reminisced on my love for the song Memory, I fell in love with the dancing and I laughed at Rebel Wilson and I sang along to Taylor Swift’s rendition of Macavity. Also… for the record, Jason Derulo has an incredible voice!!

 I actually kind of pride myself for loving this film so much since so many people have a disdain for it. 

 We all have a lot downtime to think during the shelter place. I look around at all my friends who are married with kids and have a partner to make decisions with. I’m newly single and quarantining back in Chicago with my mom. It’s very easy to compare and despair since my path looks so different from my very closest of friends. 

 I try to remember that timing is everything and that the grass isn’t always greener, but some days are easier to believe that than others. 

 I’ve been feeling so much, which is a good thing and I’m also doing a ton of overthinking, which spirals to anxiety. Everything is on pause, but I can’t wait for the day until I meet my wife and have a partner to make life decisions with. 

 How this relates to the movie CATS? There’s a lid to every pot and even though so many people didn’t like this film, it totally appealed to me. I feel grateful for the film and plan to watch it again during this time because it allows me to escape and just have fun. 

Yoga Pose: Wild Thing Pose 

OZARK

Julia Garner channels such vulnerability through a rigidly mean hillbilly criminal in the hit show OZARK. She incorporates a total juxtaposition through the character’s hard yet tender heart.  She is callous and fierce on the outside; she shows no remorse for people who cross her, however, her insides don’t always match that. 

In the first season Ruth Langmore (Garner) plays by the rules of her unlawful father. She follows in suit by his criminal like tendencies in hopes of earning his love and affection. Not only is she constantly disappointed by him, it’s clear that he degrades her with abuse, both verbally and physically. 

She clings on to Marty Byrd, who yes is an acting criminal, but represents a new father like figure with his wife Wendy and two children. They take Ruth in so Ruth naturally allies herself with them. Marty acknowledges her and respects her in a way her father never has. 

Here in lies Ruth’s identity crisis. 

In the most recent season, we see a whole new side to Ruth, that’s not necessarily her. She’s dressed up in corporate attire and running the books for Marty’s new business: a casino boat. Ruth maintains her sass through every high and low. No matter how she’s feeling inside, nothing breaks her hard, exterior core. 

As the audience it’s very uncomfortable to see Ruth feeling sad or scared but then masking it with physical violence or aggressive behavior. 

Although I don’t have criminal like tendencies, I do understand what it’s like to have a concurrence of feelings. For a very long time, I would mask certain moods with goofy behavior or acting out to be the center of attention. Without having a true sense of self, it’s very easy to be swayed by others. It’s very easy to get “caught up with the jones”; to buy an article of clothing that you can’t necessarily afford; or do things that don’t fit in with your values.

Here I am in cat / cow pose. Cat – Cow is a gentle warm up stretch comprised of two postures to prepare the body for the yoga practice ahead. Cat – Cow not only grounds the body, but each part of the pose balances the other out and helps alleviate deep emotional turmoil. 

“In the beginning of the season, Ruth really tries to downplay that her father—or that anyone, really—is there for her anymore,” said Garner, explaining that Ruth even makes herself over in an attempt to fit into her life with the Byrdes. “This season, Ruth is trying so hard to be a Byrde. She’s trying to dress up, be more professional—she’s wearing skirts—which is not her at all. She’s putting fake nails on…that’s Ruth trying to be classy…. But it’s not successful, and she’s feeling that she will never be a Byrde, and they will never truly really accept her.”

The strong-willed daughter of a criminal family, Ruth has always projected strength. But her new vulnerability opens her up to an emotion foreign to her.

“Because Ruth feels so alone, she actually ends up falling in love for the first time,” said Garner. “She doesn’t know what normal love is. So you see a much softer, much more playful side of Ruth. That being said, because of the playful side—something happens and she full-on cracks.”

Ms. America

I started watching Mrs. America during the pandemic to help pass the time and escape with the show’s all-star cast. The premise of the story focuses on the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) through the eyes of Gloria Steinem (played by Rose Byrne) and other second wave feminists. The story wouldn’t be whole if the ERA’s uphill battle wasn’t defined.  Conservative anti-feminist and antagonist of the show Phyllis Schlafly (Cate Blanchette) mobilized a grassroots movement against the ERA and until watching the show I must admit I had no idea who Schlafly was. As a woman, Schlafly baffles me!  She actively goes against the likes of Steinem and the ERA opposing issues like equal pay and abortion. 

Who I really want to focus on though is Gloria Steinem and not for the reasons you may think. I want to focus on her to speak about my vulnerabilities with my confidence (or sometimes lack thereof). 

Apart from Steinem’s cool style, witty intellect and utter determination she bodes this kind of seductive confidence that I truly yearn for. I want to embody that kind of buoyancy in my professional life and my personal life. 

A few years back, I was having lunch at the Mark Hotel with my best friend Becky and we sat two tables down from her. I wasn’t necessarily star struck but felt safe and super excited to be near such a fucking legend.  

For those of you unfamiliar with Steinem, Steinem was and is the face of the women’s movement. A forever trailblazer (I wish I was a trailblazer) Steinem co-founded Ms. Magazine (an all women run publication) and co-founded of the National Women’s Political caucus, which essentially played a major part in passing the ERA. I think her will to name a goal and achieve it is what I am most in awe of and she did so unapologetically.  I personally aim to motivate for that kind of determination.  

In episode four, Gloria and her female staff sit around at Ms. Magazine headquarters discussing pitch ideas for the next issue of the magazine. Progressive story topics are bounced back and forth between each of the women as incessant ringing of the phones divert our attention from the background. 

After answering the phone, Gloria asks one of her colleagues to obtain a copy of Screw Magazine. When her colleague returns with a copy she has a very grim look on her face and tells Gloria that she might want to look at the particular issue in private. Gloria assures her its fine. 

Once she opens the magazine, a horrid look comes over her face. In the magazine is a pin up centerfold of what looks like Gloria Steinem with a tag line that “Pin The Cock On The Feminist”. 

The look on Gloria’s face jolted me. I look at a woman like her and think wow, she’s unbreakable – and I compare myself to that. Except, I am comparing myself to something that actually isn’t real, which oftentimes sets me up for failure before I even try. Yes, Gloria Steinem is strong willed and yes, her skin might be thicker than mine and perhaps she’s less sensitive than I am, however, the scene reminded me that she’s still human. Humans are allowed to feel defeat and we’re allowed to feel embarrassed. I forget that sometimes and strive for this unrealistic idea of perfection. When I can’t meet that level of perfection I think to myself, I am achieving this self-fulfilling prophecy of this notion that I am failure. 

More often than not, I give too much of a shit, which is great and it gives me the drive, but it also takes a lot of rationality out of my thinking and decision making. 

Revolved Crescent Lunge {Parivrtta Anjaneyasana}

Revolved Crescent Lunge {Parivrtta Anjaneyasana} is such a difficult pose for me to hold. The name is even a mouthful. So much so you can break it down into three parts. (1) Parivrtta means revolve (2)anjaneya means praiseand (3) asana means posture. More often than not, I usually enter this pose from Crescent Lunge. From Crescent, I bring my hands to heart prayer and then twist my spine (either to my right or my left). After I lengthen my twist, I hook my elbow to the outside of my knee. Once this transition occurs, my balance gives out and I fall to the ground. No sweat… I get back into it, but this time I place my bottom knee down to the ground; a pretty common modification. 

Every now and then as my practice continues to evolve, I am able to embrace this pose through each breath I take. It’s totally empowering. It’s also really fucking hard. Mentally I am so focused. Physically it’s as if each of my limbs are connected. My entire body is synchronized; my legs are supporting my hips; my abdominals are supporting my shoulders. Each part is working together. 

Here's the thing. Over time, I’ve learned to adopt my falls just as much as I embrace the seize. Yoga is a practice; there’s always room for improvements and new observations. Even in life falling down on your face is just as important as rising to the top. I’m always working on myself. I recognize my feelings and analyze why I feel certain ways in different situations. This allows me to dig that much deeper in terms of self-study. I do this through the good times and the bad. Amid each experience, whether unquestionable or severe I learn something new about myself which further shapes my character and allows me to re think my decisions. 

Scandal

I love Scandal. Even the episodes where you’re like what the fuck is happening? … Him …  Her? HOW!?!? You get my point. 

Scandal gave me seven wonderful seasons of the tumultuous love affair that is Olivia Pope and Fitzgerald Grand III. Really can’t get enough of their steamy love affair; especially Season Two, episode 14 (Whisky Tango Foxtrot 34:23). More often than not, I will play the episodes continuously for background noise courtesy of Netflix. 

I admire the type of woman Olivia Pope is. Olivia Pope does not actually exist (although she’s based on a real-life fixer). Fictitious or not, there are so many women like her that exist in today’s world; women with strong willed characteristics. 

Scandal is based on fictional characters who engage in fictional White House Situations (although honestly, not sure how much different the White House actually is in real life)… so the pressure is ALWAYS on! 

Olivia is fearless and she is not afraid to fail.  I pretend to be fearless, but I am scared shitless. Personally, right now, I am afraid of failure because I believe in some way I have failed. How do I pick up the pieces and move forward? These questions keep me up at night. 

Olivia is also kept up all night with racing questions on how to save the world but still shows up to work the next day looking like a rock-star and ready to take on the next crisis. She’s seamless. 

I promise this post isn’t self-depreciating and I apologize if I’m coming off negative. I think I need some tough love. I need tough love from me.  I believe deep down, somewhere in there, I am great, but close to the surface, it’s all doubt. It’s all doubt even when I pretend like I got this. 

I am at a breaking point where I know I need to dive into the deepened; sink or swim. That scares me. It paralyzes me. 

Olivia might be scared too when navigating major decisions, but she still pushes forward. I need to push forward too. 

I need to find a new job, keep my career moving. I felt like at one point, I was steadfast, just like Olivia. I kept going. Now I am scared. What’s my next move? Should I continue to reside in Chicago or do I seek life elsewhere? These are huge decisions!

When I’m overwhelmed, Scandal allows me to escape. Scandal also reminds me that I can be someone like Oliva; fearless with a little self-determination.  

Yoga pose:  Twisted Prayer Lunge {Parivrtta Anjaneyasana}: This yoga pose is meant to ignite the center of energy and vitality. It requires focus, which will also help improve balance. For me, this pose is quite difficult, however, it does not stop me from trying. To accomplish this pose with much practice, will make one feel more whole & fulfilled.

Below Her Mouth

Below Her Mouth

Directed by April Mullen & Starring Erika Linder and Natalie Krill

BELOW HER MOUTH tells the story of an unpredicted love affair; a love affair that quickly escalates into a heart-stopping reality for two women. Their intense love connection will forever change their lives.

Currently, I find myself sexually curious towards women. I'm going through a bi-curious phase if you will. Women are beautiful and safe for me. I’ve always felt more comfortable around women over men; I find it far less difficult to be my authentic self.

After watching BELOW HER MOUTH for the first time, my interest in women jumped from private thoughts to me verbally saying I want to experience being with a woman! Saying those words outload felt empowering. I have no shame in expressing the way I feel and frankly neither should YOU. 

BELOW HER MOUTH follows a similar storyline to that of Marina and Jenny in the L WORD, Season 1. Jasmine (Natalie Krill), a local fashion editor is set to be married to a man, Rile. One night out, she meets Dallas (Erika Linder) at a bar and their attraction cannot be denied. Erika is a roofer and owns her own company. She’s been hired to do a job near Jasmine’s. After much persistence, Jasmine accepts Erika’s drink invitation and well… one thing leads to another… steamy sex scene after another and next thing we know, I am a self-proclaimed lesbian!

As a film, BELOW HER MOUTH is far from a perfect, however, it left me yearning for more passion in my life. It also made me sad and excited for the future. Sad because I’ve never experienced such connectedness with another human, man or woman in my life. Excited to think that there’s hope for some intimacy and maybe it will be with a lady. Who knows.

Dating for me has always been difficult and still remains that way. I naively thought things would be more seamless if I decided to explore this avenue of being with woman. I thought I would feel more confident since I’m more able to be myself around the ladies. My curiosity is still very much intact, but sealing the deal seems to be my biggest obstacle.

In BELOW HER MOUTH, Jasmine finds such an intense connection with Dallas that it causes her to be unfaithful to her fiancé. Although it’s unfair to Rile, that kind of passion, at times, cannot be tamed. Is it bad to say that I am drawn to that? Is it sick to say that’s the kind of passion I want. It’s not my intention to hurt someone or disrupt life’s coarse and of course I always vow for honesty, but I don’t think I could be in any relationship, man or woman, without that kind of passion. Nor could I walk away from it.

Maybe things will feel differently the day I am in a committed and loving relationship.

Tom Cruise

I had the most intense sexy dream about Tom Cruise the other night. I hope this post doesn’t put people off since lots of strange speculation follows the actor, but I would do naughty things to him anytime, anywhere. OK?

Step one. Let’s dispose of all negativity, which currently surrounds Tom Cruise. This includes anything relating to the religion of Scientology; his disbelief in psychiatry (which clearly based on this blog goes fully against my beliefs); his supposed fake marriages; that putrid memory of him jumping on Oprah’s couch… you get the idea here.

Step two. Think of only hot pictures of the actor. Here’s two to stir our imagination, people.

On Thursday, January 25th, 2018, Tom Cruise joined the world of Instagram in an effort to promote the latest installment of MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE called MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE FALLOUT. I’m personally pretty excited about the upcoming release.

I do, however, miss the early years of Tom’s career. I miss his character driven roles. Even in the premiere MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE, it was so hard not to fall in love with Ethan Hunt. The later {and currently present} career of Tom Cruise is defined by way too many franchises. While these roles certainly display his physical abilities; they lack emotional depth.

Let’s reminisce on an older Cruise title FAR AND AWAY. The movie isn’t particularly fulfulling, but his character, in my opinion, is fucking loveable. He plays Joseph Donelly, a young Irish man who escapes to the United States with love interest Shannon (played by the amazing Nicole Kidman) to gain land and reside freely. His accent, his demeanor, his personality is top notch.

Likewise, is his character in A FEW GOOD MEN. He plays the ever so sexy military lawyer Lt. Daniel Kaffee. Cruise has this part drawn out for him though, considering the screenplay was written Aaron Sorkin. Regardless, he portrays a character with strong beliefs that delivers well on screen. Lt. Daniel Kaffee shows emotion through his goodness beliefs in human mankind, while maintaining a simpleton lifestyle. He enjoys baseball and basks in defending the underdogs.

My close friends can vouch that I’ve always been attracted to the bad boy type, so it’s to no surprise that I love his character in INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE: THE VAMPIRE CHRONICLES. He plays vampire Lestat who displays no human emotion, because he’s not human; he’s a vampire. His drive for survival is from sex and blood and it’s so sexy. Cruise lends raw emotions to the character making him the film’s antagonist.

I won’t let RAIN MAN, MAGNOLIA and JERRY MAGURIE go unnoticed, but I will not be diving into them at this time. Please know that I’m fond of all three films and the characters he plays in each.

Let me please disclose, that by no means am I judging each film as good or bad. I am simply expressing my admiration for the characters that actor Tom Cruise plays.

Yoga Pose: Warrior II

Lady Bird

"Your mom's hard on you," observes Danny (Lucas Hedges), Christine's first boyfriend.

"Well, she loves me a lot," Christine replies.

Lately, my mom and I have not been seeing eye to eye. We argue about everything from important matters to less important matters. 

Our communication is not very constructive. In fact, it falls in the passive aggressive terriotry.

Judy and I are best friends; extremely close. The boundary lines of our mother daughter relationship oftentimes become blurred. I just turned 30 this past October and sometimes I feel anything but my age. I still suffer from all the unknowns that exist in my life, which utterly paralyze me.

When my mom was my age, she went through a lot; divorced, single with two children so at time she lacks a certain kind fo sympathy that I yearn for. Judy was forced to get a job to support her family. She had a lot more on her plate at that age than I do and I truly commend her accomplishments. But she and I are different and that’s ok. Because of that, she drives me to find a better job and inquires why I don’t go out and dates. Sometimes it’s too much for me.

LADY BIRD, directed by Greta Gerwig follows the life of Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson. Growing up in Sacramento, California, Lady Bird wants to follow her dreams which extend outside of California borders. Her mother Marion, a hardworking nurse wants Lady Bird to stay in her lane, think realistically and be fiscally responsible. Out of love, her criticisms and wants come across very belittling. It’s so overwhelming. As I watched the characters argue on screen, I couldn’t help but think of my arguments with Judy. Still, through the fight and disconcerting moments, I felt the love.

Although there are many motifs in this movie, my focal theme in LADY BIRD is the mother daughter relationship and how the two navigate the frontiers of change and independence. These themes effect each lady in such different ways.

Both are strong willed and glued to their own beliefs. It’s clear that Marion wants the best for Lady Bird, just like my mom wants the best for me, however, it’s not always portrayed in that manor. Marion’s fear of abandonment oftentimes comes off aggressive and hurtful to Lady Bird. And Lady Bird, still a young teenager, can’t see past that and feels her mom is just cruel. That dynamic hits close to home for me. Such strong feelings get lost in translation. 

I have talked about this idea of anger oftentimes being a secondary emotion. It shadows feelings such as fear and sadness or even anxiety. Sometimes when my mom and I argue and I am able to step back from the situation, I can see she gets angry with me, because deep down she worries for me. Frankly I don’t blame her for worrying. I am pretty all over the place.  My mom is hard on me, because she loves me a lot.

Can anyone relate to this? Maybe you have this type of relationship with a sister, a boyfriend, a girlfriend , etc… or maybe it's just me. Maybe my mom and I are too dependent on each other in a way. Would love to hear your thoughts. 

Yoga Pose: Reverse Crescent Lunge: This balancing act with a pinch of twist requires much determination, strength and focal stability. Body parts must communicate with one another in order to see the pose through. If not, one might fall {and falling is totally OK!!}

RATING MOVIES W/ YOGA POSES IS QUITE QUIRKY

I feel like I need to address why I rate the movies I watch with the yoga poses I practice. Each yoga pose has a diverse and unique meaning or theme associated with it. In a way it’s like telling a story, just like movies do.

Some yoga poses focus on the root of your being; who your true self is. Some movies bring us characters who are on a path of self discovery. Other yoga postures focus on the heart chakra. Some films tell stories that deal with love. It’s all relative! Do you see where I am going with this?!

I have now worked in the film industry for almost seven years. I’ve seen the  ins and outs of what actually goes into making a movie from start to finish. It’s hard work and does not necessarily deserve a rating that marks it “good” or “bad”. I am not an expert by any means, however, I love talking about the elements I’ve taken in throughout this period of my life.

With films, I endlessly discover connections to the characters, to the writing, to the filmmaking, to the costume design and even the overall look of the film. It’s all art to me.

People react differently to art that they stumble upon. My favorite movie could be a movie that you absolutely hate and that’s OK. Why should I rate a movie with one star or four stars? Two thumbs up or zero thumbs up? Love or hate; movies still evoke these kinds offerings and so does yoga.

I came to my yoga mat just two years ago when I was in a really dark place. Yoga allowed me to come back to myself; to validate my sensitivity to feeling low and depressed.  I was able to relax into who I was even though it was terribly difficult.

I found that certain yoga poses allowed me to practice finding the center and root of particular life problems I was facing. Watching movies, whether they’re good or bad, evoked similar reactions and made me feel less alone. Both yoga and movies still my mind, which is helpful when I am trying to ground and find inner stillness.

The root word of yoga is often translated to “unite” or “connect”. Oftentimes in yoga, we start with a simple breath and move towards postures that are unknown. In movies, we always start at the beginning. Where the story will lead and turn, we do not know. Either way, emotions are evoked and themes in movies can be defined with the practice of yoga.

HORSE POSE (VATAYANASANA)

Hose Pose is extremely grounding. With both feet planted to the earth and stable, the thighs are really working. Hose Pose works the body both physically and emotionally. Internally it elevates your sense of self.

Talking yourself through the pose and holding it is vital.  You become further disciplined with your breath.

For me, when I break these physical barriers it’s incredibly rewarding. I know I can be disciplined while feeling incredibly uncomfortable.

WARRIOR TWO (VIRABHADRASANA II)

This pose honors the heroic qualities we all have within and restores our inner idea of power. We are strong, we are eager and we are willing to be our best possible selves. Sometimes fear and doubt gets in our way, but when we ground into this pose, we are able to charge through no matter what the obstacles may be.

This pose makes your body work; your hips must be squared; your gaze is focused. When accomplished, inner peace is rediscovered. Warrior II is a balance of being active in this pose, but receptive to its challenges all at the same time.

HEADSTAND (SIRSASANA)

Headstand takes meaningful thought and determination. I need to let my thoughts translate into breath, while inverting my body. Instead of rushing into this posture, I move into it; one inhale and exhale at a time.

Some people say this is the “queen of yoga poses” and I kind of agree. Practicing headstand makes me reflect on my self growth and the choices I make. Headstand allows me to conduct choices for myself; not for others. Just because society tell you to do something, does not mean you have to. It intensifies my independence in the most positive light.

Physically, headstand takes our bodies to a deep place. An increased oxygen and vibrant energy are sent to the mind; this opens our clarity of brainwave and focus. Additionally, I find that practicing headstand helps with my anxiety.

WILD THING (CAMATKARASANA)

Wild Thing opens up your heart chakra. If you’re willing to give love, then love will come in return. Physical benefits of this pose are endless. It opens up the chest, lungs and shoulder areas.

It also aids the physical love life…  as the hip flexors shape further strength in your back. This pose is magical and invigorating. Furthermore, it’s a gateway pose to other backbends.

TREE POSE (VRKSASANA)

For me, Tree Pose feels extremely visceral. When you look at any tree, rooted firmly in the ground, you see its upright strength. But even the strongest of trees bend in odd places. Certain trees position themselves in funny shapes. Regardless of the tree’s contour, there’s a steady balance from the trunk to the branches. When you have that kind of origin there will always be a reliable sense of poise.

The entire human body works with and against each other to accomplish this pose. Working against different body parts creates obstacles, however, once steadiness falls into place, objectives are then met. Learning how to balance has a lot to do with mental aptitudes, however, with tree pose, physical works are equally important.

Being conscious of your breath, finding a focal point and visualizing your tree aids in accomplishing this posture.

CAT TO COW POSE

The Sanskrit name for Cat Pose is Marjaiasana. The name of the Cow Pose, Bitilasana.

Cat – Cow is considered a simpler pose in yoga, however, just because something is simple doesn’t mean its not beneficial. With those pose, energy is circulated to all different points of your body. The emotional juices are flowing.

Both  postures stretch and strengthen the lower spine, hips, back and core muscles. It does A LOT for our body!  It also aids breathing by elongating the chest.

WHEEL POSE (URDHVA DHANURASANA)

Start by lying flat on the ground. Please make sure to breathe so you can see your belly contract with breath.

Bend your knees and gently set your feet on the floor, inching your heels as close to your sitting bones as humanly possible.

Bend your elbows and spread your palms on the floor beside your head, forearms relatively perpendicular to the floor, fingers pointing toward your shoulders.

Pressing your inner feet actively, take an exhale and push your tailbone up towards your butt.

Press your feet and hands into the floor and with an exhale lift your head off the floor and strengthen your arms.

Far more than making the body wheel-shaped, Wheel Pose can introduce our conscious awareness to the energy clusters that line on our spinal column: our chakras.

BIRDS OF PARADISE (SVARGA DVIJASANA)

When practicing Birds of Paradise, one should should be rooted down on one foot; balancing and binding.

Elegance, refinement and composure are all vital ingredients to flying your bird. This pose is very challenging and as you can see, I am still working on straightening my leg and even my back and torso areas for that matter.

That’s why they call yoga a practice! 

The rooted strength of the standing leg will thrive from an open torso.  The flexibility of straitening your upward leg will come from the breath. Exploring these opposite actions will deepen and define your meaning of the pose.

With Birds of Paradise, balance and tranquility come from all different parts of the body. There’s an element about this pose that’s extremely uncomfortable as you are negotiating a relationship between strength and flexibility. Allowing these challenges to coexist is part of achieving the posture.

With enough practice, hopefully my birds of paradise will look like this:

UPWARD FACING DOG (URDHVA MUKHA SVANASANA)

Urdhva Mukha Svanasana {Upward Facing Dog} – Inhale by brining the tops of your feet to the mat. Open and pull your chest forward and straighten you arms. This pose will increase lung capacity by opening up the chest. Upward Facing Dog is a sequencing pose a part of the Sun Salutation. Sun Salutations honor the Inner Light that radiates from our own Hearts.

DANCER’S POSE (NATARJASANA)

Natarajasana {Dancer’s Pose}- Dancer’s pose is all about balance so it encourages concentration, patience and breath. It improves flexibility and the strength of the lower back.

Breath out; exhale. For explanation sake, let’s start on the right side. Bend your right knee and grab the inside of your ankle or arch. Lift your chest up and bend into your upper back. Reach your left arm forward and kick into your right palm.

Dancer’s pose pays homage to an idea that you can be steady and joyful at your center while change happens around you. Embrace it.

CHAIR POSE (UTKATASANA)

Every time I am cued into Utkatasana {Chair Pose}, I think to myself oh fuck, here we go again…

We begin standing in Tadasana. Inhale and raise your arms slightly perpendicular to the mat below. Exhale and bend your knees. The goal here is to bend our thighs parallel to the floor… and people, FEEL THE BURN! Take a quick peak down and make sure your knees are not protruding over your feet. Oh and tuck that fucking tailbone under.

Think about sitting in an imaginary chair. It’s a make-believe chair because we don’t have the comfort of let’s say a la-z-boy. The translation of Utkatasana from Sanskrit is “powerful pose”.  As much as I loathe to practice it, the long term benefits make me feel strong and centrally balanced. Finding power in your core and pelvis allows the body to play and align with gravity! We have the power, we have the control and we defy gravity!