Move of the Day: Parivrtta Surya Yantrasana

Danielle Tafeen of Sacred Sounds

Also known as the Compass pose, the Parivrtta Surya Yantrasana gives a great stretch to the hamstring and shoulder regions, and helps mobilize the hip area.

This is a challenging pose, but your journey to mastering it will help you gain balance physically and mentally.

Thanks to YogaJournal, here is a step by step walkthrough of the Compass Pose:

1. Begin with your legs straight in front of you. Bend your left knee and place the sole of your left foot on your right inner thigh. 

2. Grab your right foot with both hands, bend your right knee, and move it as far toward the back wall as you can. With your left hand, reach behind your head and grab your outer right foot.

3. Thread your right hand under your right knee, placing it firmly on the floor. Extend your spine and lean back as you straighten your right leg. 

4. Bring the weight into your right hand and your right sitting bone. You need a lot of length in your hamstrings, and along the left side of your body, so only go as far as you can.

5. If you feel more like a faulty compass moving in the wrong direction, remember to laugh.

For more tips and variations on this pose, visit YogaJournal at: http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/1996

Remember to find your balance and happy stretching!