Mantra: I Am Creative
Posture/Exercise: The Butterfly Hip Opener Pose
The hip, groin and lower back regions house several organs that control the water levels in our bodies, our hormones and our reproductive, or creative capabilities. Bound Angle Pose, or Butterfly, increases flexibility in the hips and groin. It stretches the inner thighs, as well as stimulates the reproductive organs and kidneys.
Sit on the floor, or if it is not comfortable sitting on the floor, sit on a folded blanket or a small pillow so that your hips are elevated a little higher. Choose a position that allows your back to stay as straight as possible. Bring the soles of your feet together, then bring your feet as close to your body as you can. Press both of your hands onto your thighs, just above your knees. As you gently press your knees down towards the floor, lift your head a couple of inches, to begin lengthening your spine. Be sure to pull your lower abdomen in towards your spine in order to support your posture.
If you feel enough of a stretch here, please sit in this position, allowing gravity to work with your alignment to naturally open your hips. This will also increase circulation through your hips, lower back, abdominal and inner thigh areas. If you do not feel much of a stretch in this position, and you would like to go a little further, shift your hands to hold underneath both of your feet. Open your feet, as if you were opening a book. Brace your thighs, again just above the knees, with your forearms and elbows. As you pull your chest down towards the floor, continue pressing your thighs open. Continue keeping your back as straight as possible, in order to avoid over-rounding through your lower back.
Once you are in the correct position, and you feel enough of a challenge from the stretch, stay for ten to fifteen deep breaths. While you are stretching and breathing, continue feeling the mantra essence I Am Creative. Allow the energy generated from your breathing to move through your hips, thighs, abdomen and lower back. Allow these regions associated with creativity to align with your personal creative intentions, whether your intentions are for children, a relationship, work, art, business, etc. Of equal importance, be willing and able to fully commit to your creative endeavors when they take form.
Once you have finished, take a break for a minute or two while hugging your knees in towards your chest. After this short rest period, repeat the butterfly exercise again for another ten to fifteen breaths.
If you have knee injuries, please be careful as to how far down you press your knees and thighs. Also, if you frequently experience sciatica pain through your lower back or upper hamstrings area, you should NOT attempt this pose, as it will only aggravate your condition.
"But, if you have nothing at all to create, then perhaps you create yourself."
- Carl Jung
Have a powerfully creative day,
Alanna