TRIANGLE POSE

1. Stand with the feet a wide distance apart, arms at shoulder level. Inhale

2. Exhale, as you slowly bend the body sideways as you place opposite hand on opposite foot or calf area. Hold for a few seconds with the breath out.

3. Inhale as you slowly come up to original standing position.

4. Exhaling, bend the body sideways in the opposite direction. Hold for a few seconds with the breath out.

5. Inhaling, straighten to the center position. Hold for a few seconds. Try to be aware of the upward movement of energy in the body.

6. Inhale back to the center position.

7. Bring both arms down and relax, breathing naturally.

8. Repeat on opposite side.

VARIATION: Once in the downward position, turn head up looking toward extended hand.

VARIATION: Exhale and extend right arm down toward right leg with palm of hand facing forward. Inhale and raise left arm up verticlal to right arm, turn face toward raised arm. Repeat on other side.

BENEFITS: The Triangle Pose gives an unusual side stretch to the spine and surrounding muscles, thus improving the spinal circulation and toning the nerves of the liver, stomach, pancreas, spleen, adrenals, and kidneys. These organs are also squeezed and then flushed with a new blood supply, refreshing and cleansing them. In addition, the posture stretches the muscles of the rib cage, giving more depth and flexibility to the chest, and benefiting the lungs and other organs of this region. The waistline and underarms are slimmed and strengthened by firming the muscles in these areas. The brain receives a fresh supply of blood. This is a great pose for balance and coordination.