Water, The Elixer of Life!

Recently I listened to the Big Sky Unitarian Universalist President speak about the “Human Right To Water”. I found her comments intriguing especially the ways we can connect to Water Justice; she included four ways to help. Our rationale and intellect can enter into discussions and questions about natural resources, especially water. Service and doing by turning the tap on and off rather than letting it run. Feeling love and emotions by watching a documentary about water. Finally through transcendence and spirit by practicing mindfulness and/or writing a poem.

Practicing this yoga sequence is a microcosmic way to tap into your inner fluidity; in some way it may help the macrocosmic flow of water. Begin knowing that water is a second energy center (Svadisthana Chakra) association. The subtle energy of this power center is located around the sacral plexus where the spine is connected to the back of the hip bones (ilium) and is associated with the upper legs and knees. Bring awareness to the body associations, in particularly the hips. Think of the hips as a bowl of fresh water tinted with the color orange by a flower, fruit or vegetable because that is the Svadisthana's color association.

Drink fresh water, feel throughout the hips and body let the water lubricate. Roll the hips for comfort and feel synovial fluid lubricate the joints. Imagine water pouring out of the hip girdle (bowl) in back of the body by tucking the tailbone under for a posterior pelvic tilt. Then, imagine water pouring out the front of the pelvic bowl; doing an anterior pelvic tilt. Next, move the hips from side-side and imagine water running out the sides of the pelvic bowl or sacral plexus with each “hip bump”.

Focus on squeezing the torso muscles for a strong core. Contract front (abdominus rectus), back (latissimus dorsi) and sides (obliques), while stretching the opposing muscle groups. Roll hips counter clockwise and clockwise.

Utilize the Svadisthana chakra associations of creativity and commitment by going deeper into the movements. Try standing Cat/Cow Pose by placing hands just above the knees while tucking the tailbone, squeezing abdominals and bring the chin towards the chest while gazing down. Next, gaze up, arch the head and back while lifting the tailbone up, squeezing the low back muscles and lifting the chest. Feel tension releasing. Cat/Cow Pose can also be done on All Fours.

Continue stretching the hips. This time, gaze over the shoulders to find the hips in Puppy Dog/Fox Tail Pose simultaneously contracting and releasing the obliques. Feel the body as a harmonious whole – physically, emotionally/energetically, intellectually and joyfully healthy. Imagine the Earth's water supply flowing freely to all people - Bliss out!

To see a video containing Hip Bumps and Standing Cat/Cow check out the blog at this site titled "Yoga Style Hip-Hop".