Salabasana/Locust
Begin lying on the belly. (You might want to put a blanket under the hips if your hipbones are pronounced or you are practicing on a particularly hard floor.) Inner rotate the thighs and bring the big toes or ankles to touch or at least no wider than hips distance apart. Arms are along side the body palms face up. Press backs of hands into the floor and lifts the head, shoulders, heart, feet, knees and legs up off or the mat. Feel the shoulder blades come in toward each other and move down the back and feel the legs inner rotate and lift up and away from the body.
This pose seems simple but is deceivingly active and challenging.
Physical benefits: This pose is excellent for strengthening the muscles of the spine, buttocks and back body including the hamstrings and calves. It relieves back low back pain and digestive problems.
Spiritual benefits: salabasana is a mild backbend and heart opener. It relieves stress and lifts the spirits.
“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Follow Tina, Jean, Maria and Gail during their journey in India
