Venus Rising

Yoga for LivingIssue: Scorpio 07

Move Inward with Bridge and Supine Bound Angle Pose

Autumn transitions us from the warm growth of summer to the cool hibernation of winter. And as the days become shorter, our focus moves inward. Scorpios naturally gravitate toward exploring the inner depths of self, making autumn a welcomed part of our natural rhythm. It is a great time to begin a home yoga practice as we are naturally more inclined to stay inside, and a yoga practice can help us to maintain energy and health throughout the colder seasons.

Bridge pose is a wonderful posture to practice on a daily basis.  It is both grounded in the lower body and open around the heart, creating a natural balance and connection between the heart and the hips. The stretch across the chest helps to keep our hearts open as we move into a more internal time of year, and the firm connection down through the feet keeps us grounded through this transition. Bridge pose stretches the quads, the lower abdomen and the chest, and engages the hamstrings and the gluts. Because the whole body is involved in the pose, it keeps our minds curious and interested about what is going on. There are many layers of opening and this feeds a Scorpio’s natural inclination toward depth. I have been practicing this pose for thirteen years and each time I enter the pose I gain new insight and awareness.

Bridge Pose/Setu Bandhasana

To practice bridge pose, begin lying on your back with your knees bent and arms by your side.  Plant your feet hip width apart, parallel, and in toward your buttocks. As you press into your feet, lift your hips up toward the ceiling. Interlace your fingers under your hips and roll your shoulders under your chest. Hold here and breathe. Continue to press the tops of your thighs toward the ceiling as you reach your knees away from your pelvis. Press strongly into the center of each heel. Hold for five to seven breaths. Come down slowly and rest.