"Posing" with a Smile :-)

I have noticed lately that when I practice I often wear a frown when I am in hamstring and hip opening poses. Truthfully, these grimaces translate into fewer results for my tight muscles. I am keeping myself from relaxing and releasing; thus receiving less fruits for my effort! So, this week I promised myself that I would recognize this behavior and I would smile more while practicing on my mat. What I noticed was that my more cheerful facial expression (though possibly quite silly looking) translated to the rest of my body! Try it yourself with this Saturday Mini Practice...

Sun Salutation A - x2
Sun Salutation B - x3

Step back to Downward Dog

Low Lunge w/Right leg - hold 3 breaths
Jump Switch legs & hold Low Lunge 3 breaths

Jump switch legs & raise torso for High Lunge - hold 3 breaths
Bend back/Left leg at knee for Crescent Moon - hold 5 breaths

Exhale hands to ground & straighten both legs for Parsvottanasana - hold 5 breaths
Jump Switch legs & raise torso for High Lunge - hold 3 breaths
Bend back/Right leg at knee for Crescent Moon - hold 5 breaths

Exhale hands to ground & straighten both legs for Parsvottanasana - hold 5 breaths
Step Left leg back, Plank Pose

10 slow Push Ups

Push back to Downward Dog

Bring Right leg high and swing it under the body for Runner's Stretch - hold 5 breaths
Step Right leg back to Downward Dog
Repeat on Left side

Step Right leg forward for Warrior III - hold 3 breaths
Release hands to floor for Splits Pose w/Left leg high - hold 3 breaths
Exhale Uttanasana

Vinyasa

Step Left leg forward for Warrior III - hold 3 breaths
Release hands to floor for Splits Pose w/Right leg high - hold 3 breaths
Exhale Uttanasana

Vinyasa

Walk feet to top of mat, lie down for Happy Baby - Hold 5 breaths

Come up to a seated position for Janu Sirsana on both Left & Right sides - hold 5 breaths

Separate both legs for a Seated Wide Leg Straddle resting head on a block

Remain here for Savasana - 5 minutes (with a smile!)