Trying Five Tibetans in Lake Worth

My yoga teacher keeps coming up with poses for us to do daily.

First it was the yoga squat. Do these everyday, Priyanka Shanbag said, and you will be healthy into old age. Turns out, she had some science to back up the benefits of doing squats daily. 

Now she has us doing the Five Tibetan Rites. Wherever we are, there is always time to do these rites, she said. Consider them, "yoga on the go."

After a Saturday yoga class, Priyanka (right) poses
willingly with her friend.

In every yoga class she teaches at the West Palm Beach library, Priyanka makes us do the Five Tibetans. Now that the Let's Move month is over, I will add them to my fitness routine. Anyone else want to join me?

Some rules

The rites have to be done in the same sequence each time and in odd number of repetitions until 21 is reached.  

Priyanka does not have us to do the full spinning of Rite No. 1. Some students may become dizzy and fall, which would be hazardous in the crowded auditorium of the library where we practice yoga.

But I will do the spinning and find my drishti points, one in front and one behind. Similar to the focus points I learned when doing pirouettes in a ballet class.

First rite

Stand erect with arms outstretched into a T and spin left to right. Remember to find your drishti or focus points.

(In the yoga class, students sway from side to side.)

Second rite

Next, lie on your back and keep your arms at your side while you raise both legs at the same time and lift your head.

Third rite

On your knees, place the palms of your hands in your lower back. Bend your head forward and touch your chin to your chest. Next, bend your head backwards.

Fourth rite 

Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight out with your hands on the floor and fingers extended forward. Then bend your knees in unison and come into a reverse table. Hold the position, then return to the first part by unbending your knees in unison.

Fifth rite

Lie on your belly with your hands under your shoulders. Raise the upper part of your body off the floor into a cobra position, then flow into a downward dog with your hips and back forming a V. (Easier to describe, then do! I find this rite the most trying.)

And now, for my numbers

I had my best walking day last week on Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, when I walked:

Steps: 17,258

Miles: 8.6

* Images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.