Start by placing both your feet flat on the floor at least hip width apart. Sit forward on your chair and bend forward from your hips towards the floor. Really let go, surrendering to the pose, letting your arms fall to the floor, allowing your neck and head to rest, releasing any tension you are holding in the shoulders, neck or face.
Stay for a few breaths if you can.
Roll back up slowly and carefully, vertebra by vertebra bringing your head up last. Observe how you feel after doing this exercise.
Then repeat, and if you feel able to, place your arms around the back of your body, pulling your shoulders back gently, interlock your fingers. This time, as you bend forward from the hips, see if you can lift your arms towards the back of your head. Take 2 or 3 breaths here if you can, releasing further into the pose with each exhalation. Bring your arms back down and roll up slowly once more.
Forward bends are restorative and as they take us inward can invoke a feeling of calm. This is also a gentle stretch for the spine and when the arms are taken back this can open up the shoulders releasing any tightness or bracing. Relaxing the neck encourages us to let go of any tension held in there.
Take care if you have any back pain or injury and be gentle with yourself.
aggsyoga 