Start on all fours,
placing your hands
below your shoulders,
your knees
below your hips.
Bring your right knee
forward to touch
your right wrist.
Slowly inch your right shin
toward the midline of your body.
Now straighten your left leg
toward the back.
Keep your hips level,
and as they settle
press your fingertips firmly
into the floor.
Now walk your hands forward,
inhale deeply,
and exhale as you fold forward,
lowering your elbows to the floor.
The sensations that flood
your hips might feel great—
or slightly unnerving—
or a combination of the two.
Breathe. Observe
the reactions in your mind.
Let go of them
by relaxing your eyes.
Continue to breathe
into your hips.
Allow your belly to melt.
You’re peeling back layers of tension.
Feel your hips
and your mind soften
Allow waves
to wash over you.
After the forward bend,
inhale back up.
Press down through your fingertips
and lift your hips.
Take five deep breaths.
Observe how you feel.
There’s no need to attach
any meaning to the sensations.
No need to worry or judge yourself.
Strong as these sensations are,
they’ll soon morph
into different feelings.