Yoga can help us open, stretch, and bloom! Here are some bloom-inspired yoga poses.
Tree pose, or Vrksasana
Stand up straight, planting your feet firmly on the ground. With the help of a hand, bring the sole of your foot to your shin or inner thigh (avoid the knee). When you feel balanced, bring your hands into a prayer position over your heart or raise your hands high above your head, reaching high. Elongate your body from feet to fingertips. Take a few deep breaths here, and switch your feet.
Lotus Pose, or Padmasana
Sit down with your legs straight out in front. Bend your right knee, cradling it, and place your right foot on the top of your left thigh. This is half lotus, and if you are a beginner, you can stop here. To do a full lotus pose, bring your left foot onto the top of your right thigh as well. Elongate your spine and neck slowly. Imagine a string pulling you upwards from your tailbone up through the top of your head. Relax in this position, take a few deep breaths, and rest your hands on your knees, palms down or up, bringing your index finger and thumb together.
Flower Pose, or Vikasitha Kamalasana
Sit down and bend your knees. Bring the soles of your feet together, lengthen your back, take a deep breath, and raise your legs slightly. Next, balance your pelvis and cross your arms crosswise under your legs, letting your palms face up.
Butterfly Pose, or Baddha Konasana
Sit with your legs outstretched. Pull the soles of your feet together and move them toward your pelvis. If you need more stretch, use your elbow to push your knees down and bend your forehead towards your toes. Let yourself relax into the space and breathe slowly.
