Ever noticed how cats and dogs make it a point to stretch their bodies as soon as they wake up? They go down on their haunches and stretch their forelimbs forward or arch their backs as they lie sideways. Information prewired into their genes tells them that the right kind of movement is important to keep the body supple and fit.The same instinct that guides them to good health is present in us, but is lost due to our focus on career, entertainment and money. A great number of postures, breathing exercises and other techniques in Yoga are inspired by the natural phenomenon around us. Ardhachandrasana recreates the shape of the sickle moon, Vrikshasana encourages you to stand tall like a tree, Bramhari pranayama mimics the buzzing of a bee and so on. These methods work on the muscles and bones to restore health, and are also subtle practices that reconnect us to our body’s innate intelligence and the rhythms of nature.
In the following posture, we imitate the fluid movement of the feline as it stretches itself. This posture works the small muscles that support the spinal column and removes stiffness in the hips and lower back. The synchronisation of breath and movement strengthen the breathing process, making it a good posture to practice as soon as you wake up in the morning.
Marjariasana (Cat Pose)
You will need a yoga mat or two stacked.
Come down on all fours keeping your hands, knees and feet hip-width apart.
Make sure your arms are parallel to each other and that your wrists, elbows and shoulders are in line.
Check to see that your hips and knees are aligned.
Keep your back straight so that your body resembles a table.
Initiate movement from your hips as you arch your back, inhale and look up at the ceiling. This is step 1.
For step 2 exhale, draw your belly in, hunch your spine and bring your head down.
Repeat this combination of step 1 and 2 another 7 times.
Ensure that your movements and breathing are smooth and rhythmic.
