18-Oct-2009

Forever Young

Exercises for Radiance

Staying young for a long, long time is a wonderful, blessed way to live. As women, we have so much to give as we mature, so much wisdom born of hard earned experience, and so much loving kindness to share. So let’s keep our good health and vitality and reap the profit of a life well lived.

One of the very best ways I’ve found to stay young is to practice Kundalini Yoga. It is a complete system for revitalization. Just for the fun of it—and because we women love to feel relaxed and beautiful—here are two yoga exercises from my book, Yoga for Women. 

FACIAL TENSION RELEASE:
For a deep release of facial tension, press firmly and hold each position for 3 breaths.

Using your thumbs, find the indentation directly under your cheekbones. Begin to press all along that ridge. Massage the muscle under the cheekbones from the inside area close to your nose to the outer edge where it meets your jaws.

LION FLEX:
This exercise brings flexibility to the spine, which is the true measure of youthfulness.

1.  Sit on your heels with your spine straight. Place your palms on the ground just in front of the knees. Bring your neck vertebrae in line with your spine by lifting head while tucking the chin slightly in toward the neck. You will resemble one of those statues of a Buddhist temple lion.   

2.  Begin flexing your spine to its maximum capacity, keeping the elbows straight as you flex. Inhale and arch your spine, lifting your chest while keeping your head level.

3.  Exhale as you round your spine so that your chest curves inward. Keep a constant rhythm. You may begin to sweat lightly on the forehead and spine. Continue for 2-3 minutes.

Enjoy, and may you feel like the radiant soul that you are!

Shakta Kaur Khalsa

Women’s yoga, health, and beauty
Childrens Yoga
Author: Yoga for Women