So the Cat Stretch, how do we do it? Well, as for many yoga asanas there are variations, but let me give you the basic today.
Begin on all fours, knees under hips, wrists under shoulders - if that is comfortable. Spread the fingers and have the middle finger pointing forwards. This opens the energy centres between the fingers. Begin with your spine in neutral. As you exhale, allow your head and tailbone to tuck under your torso. Move gently with awareness of how it feels. As you inhale, allow head and tailbone to return to neutral. Exhaling, allow the head and tailbone to lift up towards the sky. Tip for those with dodgy backs, avoid taking the tailbone too high, keep in more in neutral. When you meet resistance in the body, that is a message to tell you that you have gone far enough. Inhaling, come back to neutral. Continue in this way. Notice how the spine feels during the movement. Observe how the abdominal organs get squeezed together and then move away from each again. This will help to break up tension in that area and also massage the whole abdomen. Feel the strength in the arms and the shoulders as the head lifts, allow the chest to open a little at this point. Just keep observing how you feel in mind and body. But most of all, ENJOY this peaceful easy movement. When you are ready to rest, move into Pose of the Child, so bottom moves back to rest on heels, forehead to the floor and arms wrap around the body. Alternatively, if there is a better position for you to relax in, go ahead and indulge.
Om shanti
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