This routine was requested by one of our dear followers Cyndi. She is a journalist, a sublime writer whose comments are always “spot on”. She writes so poetically and wisely that she makes me want to translate her poetry into yogic motion. I am sure she wanted a forward-bending routine to counter the effects of her desk-ridden job. Perhaps, she also needed some letting go in her life.

The yogic concept of Swaha best summarizes the most important yoga tenet – our ability to surrender. Translated from Sanskrit “swaha” means “so be it”. The “Beatles” tweaked it into “let it be”, “accept”, go with the flow”. A kinder way to say: “relinquish control”.

In life, some things depend on our decisions and concrete actions. But some are really out of our control. We can strive towards our heart-felt desires, we can attain our goals, we can work towards succeeding in one field or another, but wehave no control of the outcome. The outcome in most cases is not up to us. It is up to God, or some higher force that governs  Cosmic order. Since letting go is intangible and an abstract concept, it is hard to hone it through simple Yoga poses. It requires an ability to give in and give up. It cultivates our ability to sacrifice our limitations and complexes in the light of our highest truth.

Letting go nurtures our ability to confide in this divine orchestration, to trust our gut, to have faith that things will unfold in the most coherent way, no matter what. It also reminds us that life is about cycles and stages, and some stages require determined action and hard work, but other stages simply ask us to let go of everything than no longer serves us. Whether it is a relationship, an object, a habit, or a book.

Letting go shifts our go-getter personality into a compassionate being who has cultivated the patience to synch up action and effort with divine timing. It gives us the opportunity to rest, to introspect and elicit guidance. It hones receptivity and makes us resonant to all that surrounds us. As reflectors of the world around us we begin to draw the right opportunities and life falls in place.

And all this can be facilitated by a simple forward bend that sinks our mind to our heart. And not only… Forward bends are the multipurpose cleaners of the body. They not only stretch the overstrained hamstrings, but also promote healthy intestinal flora, help regulate blood pressure, bring the nervous system to a relaxation response, flush toxins from the colon and unblock stuck energy in the stomach, frequently related to fear and anger. And more…they cool the body and calm the mind.

All good enough reasons to simmer your practice in forward-bends, especially at the end of the day when you need to wind down and yield to gravity. I love the concept of yielding for it is one of the best defense mechanisms for protection and support that the body can offer.

Don’t waste time, lean over and get those hamstrings stretched, your mind tranquil and your heart receptive to the wonders that lie in store.

Forward-bending Yoga Routine: Letting Go (open level)

This delicious forward-bending Yoga sequence will stretch your hamstrings and calves; settle your stomach; help you release tension, unblock stagnant energy; clam your mind and sooth your soul. So you can let go, and let God…