I love this pose because it hurts so good! The depth of the side bend, the fullness of the hip opening, plus the sweetness of the twist make me feel alive and content. In this pose, I feel the big sensations of stretch, but also the nuances of breath, heartbeat, and intimate layers of emotion.
I practice yoga because it’s like coming home after a long road trip. It grounds me, calms me, taps me into my ability to care for myself (which I often forget), connects me with the need and ability to slow down and listen to the heart rather than misdirected mind chatter. I can’t live without yoga because it makes me feel whole emotionally, psychologically, and physiologically. It also inspires me to live a full, joyful, disciplined life.