In Sanskrit, Parivrtta means “revolved,” Parsva means “side,” and Kona means “angle.” 

This grounding and expansive posture is part of my daily routine—with Bella by my side.

This pose embodies duality: grounding and opening, steadying and energising. It reminds me to maintain optimism, reach for the stars, AND stay present while accepting reality as it is.

How to Practice Seated Side Angle Pose:

1. Find a comfortable seat: Sit cross-legged, on your heels, or on a cushion or chair. Keep your spine tall and your shoulders relaxed.
2. Stretch and lengthen: Inhale, reach your left arm up, lengthening through your fingertips.
3. Rest your right hand lightly on the ground or your thigh.
4. Anchor and ground: Exhale, press evenly into both sit bones, engaging your core to stay stable.
5. Slowly switch sides: Inhale, lower your left arm, and lift your right arm. Stretch through the right side, keeping your spine long.
6. Flow with Intention: Repeat for 10 cycles, breathing deeply and balancing reaching with grounding.

Physical Benefits:

• Stretches the side body, improving flexibility and spinal mobility.
• Relieves tension in the shoulders, neck, and upper back.
• Stimulates abdominal organs, aiding digestion and gut health.
• Enhances hip and back flexibility and strengthens posture.
• Activates stabilizing muscles for balance and core strength.

Special Meaning for Me:

Sometimes, when things go really well, I feel an unexpected wave of anxiety, as if my joy might be fleeting and something is about to go wrong. When this happens, I turn to this pose to remind myself:

1. Everyone deserves happiness and great experiences.
2. Sometimes things happen we don’t want to happen, and sometimes things don’t happen that we want to happen.
3. We can reach for the stars while staying grounded in the present.

Parivrtta Parsvakonasana anchors me in gratitude, softens fear of the unknown, and reminds me to embrace both the highs and lows of life fully.

A Lesson for the World:

December brings both joy and anxiety. I try to turn down the noise, creating space to breathe, reflect, and stay grounded.

Through this pose—or any practice that connects us to stillness—we can find peace, even in the busiest times. This season, let’s gift ourselves simplicity and presence over perfection.

I’m off to walk Bella the dog xoxo