Joy's Morning Stretch

It is very important to stretch after a nights sleep. Your muscles can get cramped when you sleep and can tighten if you sleep in a curled position. It is great to start the day stretching and lengthening your muscles. This morning stretch is easy to do but it has powerful effects on your physical and emotional system. It is simply a wonderful way to greet your day.

Joy's Morning Stretch
Interlock your fingers with your two pointer fingers together
With your feet firmly on the ground, reach your arms straight above your head as you inhale for the count of four.
Bring your hands slowly down as inhale for the count of eight.
Tighten your rear muscles and place your hands on the small of your back. (Note that your palms are facing inward and your fingers are facing upward).
Inhale for the count of four and exhale for the count of eight as you arch backward.
Inhale for the count of four and as you exhale for the eight slowly come up vertebrae by vertebrae.
With your arms stretched out overhead and your palms facing forward, slowly bend forward as you wrap each hand around your opposite elbow and allow your head to dangle.
Ease down further into your stretch as you inhale for the count of four and exhale for the count of eight four times.
Slowly lift your body to original position.
Stand with your feet slightly apart and toes slightly pointing outward.
Place your hands on your waist and gently twist your torso from side to side.
Inhale for four as you twist to the right and exhale for eight as you come back to center.
Repeat this posture four times.
Refer to the tapes, The Joy Of Yoga and The Joy Of Relaxation .

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