Getting your Yoga Cow Face on

Hunched over my jewellery bench or computer all day I find that, like many of you, I get very tight and constricted upper shoulders. Just one of the side effects of being a jeweller. Ouch!

A brilliant yoga pose I discovered to help open up my chest and stretch out those tight little shoulders of mine is the Cow Face Pose or Gomukhasana.

It helps to open up the chest which is good news for all of us with a serious hunch-habit. Chest openers also have the added benefit of helping to open our hearts so we can let more love in. And really, who doesn't need a bit more love in their lives?

To start get into a seated position. This can be seated cross legged or kneeling on the floor, standing, or even seated in a chair when you're at work. Traditionally the pose is done seated on the ground with your legs crossed over in front of you so your knees are sitting on top of each other and your feet are sitting alongside your body. But today let's just focus on opening up our shoulders for a delicious stretch.

Take a long deep inhalation and really feel the ground beneath you. Exhale slowly. On your next inhalation lift your arms so they are open to your sides at shoulder height. Exhale and slowly lift your right arm, while dropping your left arm. Bend your elbows behind your back and grasp your hands, curling your fingers around each other like you're holding hands with yourself. If you can't grasp your hands, not to worry! Just use a strap or belt and hold that behind your back.

Take a few deep breaths and luxuriate in the beauty of this stretch. Keep your back nice and straight, trying not to curve out your lower back. Have a lovely relaxed neck and imagine trying to stretch your elbows away from each other. A few more breaths. Slowly come out of the pose and repeat on the other side. 

But remember: go slooooowly. If it doesn't feel right then stop, take a breath, and try a simpler pose such as some beautiful gentle neck rolls. They'll make you feel just as wonderful.

When your all done take a moment to feel the gorgeous effects of this pose. Sitting still let your heart open to gratitude for yourself in taking this moment to be kind yourself.

xx Tanya C