Prayer Twist

by Holly
(Portland, Oregon)

The best yoga pose of all has got to be the Prayer Twist in a Lunge. I’m a novice yoga gal. But , once I don my exercise clothes and roll out my mat, it’s all deep breathing and tuning out children. Just to get to the point where I get to enjoy this gem.

I’ve done the prayer twist with feet together. For some reason I’m unable to breathe unless it’s short and shallow breaths. So when I get the opportunity to move into a lunge in runner’s pose then swing up to warrior, and finally bring those hands together - I’m in heaven!

Releasing a cleansing breath as I place my elbow firmly against the outside of my knee I can usually feel my back pop in a few different places. I’m able to melt into a place of relaxation that no massage table can hold a candle to.

Until, of course, a very energetic 18 month old comes along and pushes me over in what I can only imagine is his version of cow-tipping.

What is it about the sanctuary of the prayer twist that is addicting? Who cares! I’ll keep coming back to it every Saturday. It makes that hour an a half of sweat dripping, straining muscle, mind altering work worth it.