5 Ingredient Fix

The “5 Ingredient Fix” show on Food Network features recipes that have, you guessed it, 5 ingredients. (Salt and pepper are freebies) Claire Robinson is the clever girl who came up with this formula. Upon moving to New York City from Texas, (and in a state of disbelief at the amount of schlepping one does – been there, done that!) she formulated these recipes so her grocery bags would be lighter. The components for an effective approach to yoga practice add up to exactly five ingredients as well:

Relax
Release
Lengthen
Strengthen
Stabilize

In a Soma Yoga class we begin lying down on our backs. The spine, and in turn, all the joints in the body respond to the support from ground by decompressing (Relax). Muscular tension decreases while the whole physical structure is brought into neutral. We anchor the mind in this experience of a still body. Next are movements done on the back, addressing the hips, spine and shoulders, including spinal twists – the ultimate body tonic. (Release) We continue with gently flexing, extending and side bending the spine (lengthen) and gradually find our way up for standing poses. (Strength and Stability). Movement sequences take us down to the floor for poses to strengthen the back, and the transitions condition the whole body. Breath is not treated as a separate practice, but is integrated from the very first moment. Finally, Savasana (relaxation pose – this is no time to skimp) is when we receive the benefits of our active practice. And then? Make these Blueberry Strudels – fabulous!