Jellyfish Pose (Uttanasana)
Summer is here finally and as I anticipated, the heat has arrived with a vengeance. Not going to lie, our family is made up of winter-lovers, and although the shedding of the layers is very welcome, we intentionally make time in our routines for cooling down. The pressure and anticipation of the summer sometimes leaves me feeling disappointed when all the plans don’t pan out, but mostly i’m just so incredibly happy to have my school-aged honey home and more family time!
Jellyfish is the pose of Summer. Did you know jellyfish have been around for at least 500 million years? Some glow-in-the-dark, AND they can clone themselves!
Benefits
Jellyfish pose is calming, relieves stress and helps improve digestion. It also stretches out the back of the body and strengthens the thighs and knees. I love using this pose to decompress my spine and relieve mild headaches. When things get overwhelming sometimes it can help to find a new perspective by literally turning your heart and head upside down!
Do it!
Jellyfish is simple to do, but staying for a while (as an adult) is not easy! But kids loooove this pose. Stand tall with knees slightly bent and fold at the hips. As your hands come closer to the ground, your knees can bend as much as you need in order to have your tummy close to your thighs while still staying comfortable. Take a few intentional breaths and shake your head a little.
Have Fun!
Is your jellyfish a giant-sized deep ocean dweller, or a pocket-sized baby washed up on a sandy beach? Float your arms in all directions slowly and bend each knee - your arms and legs are your tentacles trailing you as you propel yourself through the water. Let your head go and swing it too! Jellyfish eat small fish and some bring them up to their mouths with the use of their tentacles. What is your jellyfish eating for dinner tonight? Yum!
Here's to sunscreen, scraped knees, and swimming everyday to avoid the bath,
Happy Summer!
Megan