When it comes to living “green” your personal health and well-being is part of the lifestyle! Being green is not just about personal purchasing decisions, as your health is just as important. Eight years ago I stumbled upon Yoga by accident while searching for a way to help me relieve anxiety. After some extensive research, I decided to give it a try to help my own emotional and physical health. That’s all she wrote, as Yoga has been a part of my life ever since! I often encourage others to try the wonderful relaxation methods that Yoga offers to help de-stress!

Starting a yoga practice is an easy way to advance your spiritual development, and this guide will give you some easy-to-do poses to get you on the right track. These poses are appropriate for beginners, as well as those who are more experienced, and they are gentle enough to do every day.

Seated Forward Bend

The forward bend: Sit with your legs straight out in front of you, keeping them together. Now, reach forward as far as you can and touch your legs, without bending your knees. Bend from the waist, and keep your back as straight as possible. Try your best to touch your forehead to your knees. Hold for at least a minute, taking deep breaths.

This pose will promote healing, and it’s good for your digestive system. It will also improve the flexibility of your hamstrings, calves and back.

Butterfly Pose

The butterfly pose: As with the last pose, you’ll be sitting. Bring the soles of your feet together in front of you. Hold on to your toes, pulling your heels in toward your body. Keep your back as straight as you can, and lean forward from the waist. You should feel the stretch in your groin area. Hold for at least one minute and take deep, slow breaths.

The butterfly pose will of course improve flexibility, especially in the groin and hip areas.

Cat/Cow Pose

Cat/cow pose: On all fours, bring your head up and push your stomach down at the same time and inhale deeply for cow pose. Hold, then bring your head down with your chin toward your chest. Arch your back and exhale for cat pose. Move at a slow pace until you are more experienced.

Cow/cat pose is good for your back, and it promotes a healthy digestive system and general well-being.

Yoga is an age-old practice that you can practice at any age. It works on so many different parts of your body and your life and it’s never too late to start. These poses are a great place to begin a practice that will surely have you hooked for life, as they did me!

Tara Vickers publishes GoGreenStreet.com, a light green living blog dedicated to offering tips on eco-conscious living. Mother of five beautiful kidlets, ages 6 months to 12 years, Tara loves all things eco-chic and natural. She considers herself “light green” among the shades of being green and enjoys organic coffee to keep her going. Visit GoGreenStreet.com today for more tips on going green!