Drop and Give Me 33 Vertebrae: Teaching a Private: January 3, 2021: Wailea, HI

“Happy spine, happy life”, say the yogis. And modern medicine agrees.

In a time when support systems are dismantling almost every aspect of life, it's easy to forget the gifts we can count on; chief among them our spines. Thirty three vertebrae, little units of magic that keep us mobile.

Like most anything else, the more we care for it, the more it gives back because it's able to do what it's designed to do. Proper rest, good shoes, a diet rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, nutrients and vitamins, and exercise all are key.

And yoga is a practice par excellence for spine health. Poses are designed specifically to articulate the six directions of the spine; extension and flexion, side to side, and twisting both directions. There are many reasons a yoga practice feels so good, and lasts long after the "exercises' are done; one of them is that there is luscious attention to the spine.

The yogis have a name of the energetic spine space called the sushumna. Translated as the central channel, it's also know as the gracious channel, and the joyous channel. It's a reminder that poses, whose Sanskrit translation is asana, also means attitude.

These practices not only promote health for our bodies, but also for our minds and ultimately, our souls.

Personally, I believe yoga can heal the world. Which is why I practice everyday, and from time to time, like Sundays in Maui, get to share it with people who are committed not only their own health, but also to that of our whole community.

Here’s our sequence today, with extra attention to our spines.

Banana asana
Core strength
Windsheild wipers

Supine janushirsasana with hip circles

 Seated eye of needle
Twist
Half junushirsasana

Three articulations of the spine:Cat and cow
Side to side cow
Twisted cow

Spine strength locust series
Toe torture with wrist stretch between sets

 Pyramid with hands hips 
Lymph and heart opener
Warrior III balance variation

Goddess pose
Goddess twist
Goddess balance

Warrior II dance
Extended triangle
Trikonasana with arm circles
Wide leg forward fold between sets

Happy baby

Savasana
Namaste

Health, love, and rock and roll