Play, Snow Angels, & Yoga

One of the best things about yoga is that, in a lot of ways, it is simply play.  It is frolicking, exploring, and engaging your body in a non threatening way and finding out what feels good to you.  It is trying on different roles (poses) and investigating whether they are a good fit for you -- hhhmmmm......does this sound like playing "school" or "doctor" as a child?  

Play is fun.  

Yoga is fun.

Making snow angels is fun.

Making "snow angels" into yoga is at least 2x.... maybe 3x the fun.  

I think.  

I  did an impromptu experiment with it this week when inspiration struck like lightning.  I was hanging out with a fun group of 5-7 year-olds when one student decided to lay down on his back, wave his arms up and down, and giggle "snow angel!"  

Well, why not?  I thought.  First off, rubbing your back against the floor is great for grounding which a lot of people, especially children, (and dogs) find to be a pleasing sensory experience. Secondly, I had picked up a great technique for doing Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) at a conference a couple of years ago.  And its as simple as lying down.  

So I said, "Hey, let's all make snow angels!" (we did some traditional style angels on the floor and I then I wiggled over to the wall to show them how to make a yoga snow angel.  Enthusiastic exploration and lots of wiggling followed (which I interpret as a sign of success).

Recipe for Yoga Snow Angels:

Warm up with traditional snow angels on an indoor surface without the snow.

Wiggle to a wall that you can place your feet against. 

Wiggle your feet to a width that roughly matches your wingspan.

Turn your right foot open, so the right toe and right knee cap both point fully to the right and the baby toe side of your foot is flush against the floor, while your arch faces the ceiling.

Turn your left foot slightly to the right (about a 45 degree angle)

Press your feet firmly against the wall and keep them in place.  The whole time.  No matter what.

(Here's where it gets a little tricky and you may try to cheat.....)

Wiggle your right hand toward your right leg and/or foot.  See how far you can go without allowing your back and hips to leave the floor.  Your shoulder blades, back body, and hips must all stay flush against the floor.  This is important.  Very important.  

Stretch your left arm above your head, turn to look up at it.

Breathe deeply and enjoy how spacious you feel through your legs, spine, and chest.  Notice the intense lengthening of the side rib area.  Breathe right into it and fill yourself with a warmth, energy, and a sense of wonder and fun that only comes from play.  

Enjoy for several breaths.  Then wiggle around and try the other side.

Namaste~

Tammie