YOGA MOVES
Stretch out both the lower and upper body with the cow face pose,
Yoga is chock a block with animal poses: dog, cat, cobra, fish, pigeon, crow, crocodile, rooster. . . the list goes on.
Of course we chose to demonstrate Cow Face Pose at the udderly charming Octopus Garden Yoga Centre. Inspired by Canadian artist Sarah Hillock’s love of cows, this nuanced move will address both upper and lower body mobility.
1. Sit on the floor with your legs outstretched. 2. To set the legs: a. bend the right knee and draw it close to your chest before stepping the foot onto the ground beside your outer left thigh;
b. fold your left leg under and place the pinky-side of the foot on the ground, with the heel close to your outer right hip; and
c. angle the right thigh away from you until the knees stack, to the best of your ability, and your right heel rests alongside your outer left hip. 3. To set the arms: a. reach your left hand towards the sky and pat yourself on the upper back, just below the nape of the neck;
b. bring the back of the right hand to the small of your back and wiggle it up between your shoulder blades; and
c. clasp your fingers behind your back, if they reach each other easily. Otherwise, use a strap to bridge the gap.
4. Lift your chin and lean the back of your head into your upper arm as you breathe five gentle and generous breaths.
5. Repeat on the other side.