Inspired by Holi, a festival of colors celebrating love and life and Spring, this practice begins with an intro to an ancient story and Sanskrit mantra related to the holiday. "Narasimha ta va da so hum" is a mantra, a repeated phrase or "mind tool," you can use when you need reminders that you can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Play with big cat poses, including a Tiger variation, as well as 3-leg Dog and other topsy-turvy poses that help balance and stabilize the spine. Be both brave and wise as you open your heart with belly-down backbends, such as Inverted Locust and Bow, as well as Camel, a kneeling backbend, and a supine Victorious 1-Legged Bridge. Build lower body strength and find balance in Eagle & a Warrior III pose, and release hamstrings, hips and back with Holy Cow or Head Knee and a final seated fold of choice. Then give yourself at least five minutes to rest and restore, and perhaps listen to Deva Premal's "Narasimha" as you relax like a lion cub after a busy day.
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