Karen Watson Reeves demonstrates Child’s (Seed) Pose. Photo by Fred Padilla.
By Karen Watson Reeves
One of my most fun challenges each month is selecting the what (pose) and where (setting) for The Springs Magazine. So the reader gets a little background for this month’s choice.
As a gal who grew up in a small community where trees (Daddy’s career) and gardens, both flower and fruit and vegetable (Mama’s passion and gift) were so influential, the month of June brings memories: the seeds that were planted earlier begin to fruit and produce, and the trees start showing out with blossoms and greenery.
I was leaving the Garland County Library after teaching a toddler class (in which we refer to ourselves as little seeds in the earth when practicing Child’s Pose), thinking about this article and the what/where when I saw the sign and the “seed garden” in the featured photo. “Going to seed” sometimes evokes negative connotations, unless you happen to be an earth/tree/plant/nature lover like I am. (Coincidentally, I was also reading a phenomenal book, The Seed Keeper, at the time.) Bingo! I will be a little seed in front of this pollinator habitat!
It is remarkable that I have not already featured this pose, because it is one of the most well-known yoga postures, often referenced as a resting pose. Barring knee pain or injury, it can be a very restorative pose to get still, center yourself, regulate your breath, calm your body and mind. You feel grounded, with so much of your body near the earth. It is also a great stretch for the spine, thighs, hips, and ankles.
We know the frontal lobe of the brain, located just behind the forehead, is the busy part of the brain, always planning, imagining, making decisions, over-thinking! When in Child’s Pose (and other forward bends), that part of the brain is in resting position. The next time you or a child in your care need a time out, become a little seed on the ground. Feel the warmth of the sun on your back and the gentle rains falling to water you. After several breaths, that seed will be ready to sprout into a lovely plant or tree, energized and calm and reaching up to the sky.
Karen Watson Reeves has called Hot Springs home since 2006. Owner of The Yoga Place, at 301 Whittington Avenue, she became a registered yoga/children’s yoga teacher in 2011. When not on the mat, Karen enjoys the beautiful outdoors of the National Park, especially from her bicycle. Find more information about her studio and her schedule of classes at www.theyogaplacehs.com.
