Open Wild

Wild Thing Pose.

I hear the name and BAMMO -- the song starts rocking through my mind (I just can't help myself). When I heard about this posture for the very first time, I laughed. Surely it was a joke, right? Then I stopped thinking and started doing. I realized it wasn't a joke but an exhilirating leap into the unknown.

Camatkarasana (for those of you who like the Sanskrit...or for those of you who tend to giggle when hearing the name Wild Thing) is an opening posture that essentially flips Downward Dog, leaving you feeling invigorated. I can still remember the first time I attempted it. I found myself wondering whether or not my hand would support myself and whether my body would actually twist that way. My heart accelerated while my mind wondered, "Can I do this?" It's been said that this pose symbolizes a celebration of personal power and freedom. At the time I was a little short on both, so I guess my fear was not surprising.

Then there's the other translation of Camatkarasana: the ecstatic unfolding of the enraptured heart. I'm on better footing with my personal power and freedom so nowadays I heartily -- no pun intended -- relate to this translation. Yes, my heart still beats faster when I come into the pose...but it's more about excitement and open-heartedness. It's funny how something that seems so very scary at one point in time seems like an exciting opportunity later on.

In fact, it was a series of exciting opportunities that have gotten me to where I am today. At the time the actions seemed big, almost Herculean and just a wee bit scary. But just like in Camatkarasana, I grounded and stretched only to find myself exactly where I wanted to be -- wide open. Yes, Wild Thing, you make my heart sing.

So in the spirit of the ecstatic unfolding of the enraptured heart and leaping into the unknown, I revisit Wild Thing Pose. Join me, won't you?

And on the topic of opening, I have two more goodies:

--If you'd like to embody Camatkarasana, join The Love Tribe and vow to open hearts no matter what by visiting the the Love Master, Sal Annunziato, on Facebook. He'll send you a Love Tribe band so you'll always remember to be open and wild.

--Laughter also opens the heart (and is good for the nervous system), so check out The Laughter Project. It asks the following questions: Why do you enjoy laughing? What is the funniest moment in your life? What will always make you laugh, even in the face of adversity?

And here's a little solo Laughter Yoga to get you going: