By Jules (Brahmini) Watson

Lunge helps me release my lumbar spine reliably and deeply.  

The midpoint variation protects my hip joints from overstretching, thus taking care of my deceptive flexibility.  I’ve been practicing this Lunge variation a lot recently.

I like to use double blocks under each hand, which I find remarkably effective. The double blocks create space for my hips to move more freely as I push back and forward. I use the back and forward movements to level my hips.  This brings awareness of where my hips are not quite even in a full Lunge. 

I feel strong and stable with weight leaning into both hands and my back knee. This prepares perfectly for the effortless next step — finding the midpoint — neither in nor out of the pose. Settling in at the midpoint is where the magic really happens. 

Weight leans into my back knee.  I feel the release up the front of my back thigh.  My hips level out more, and my tailbone releases.  Release through my hips and lumbar spine is the culmination. 

 There’s no stretching or forcing, just a deep inner unraveling.   A feeling of blissful acceptance follows.  It’s not about getting it right.  It’s about letting go of expectations and surrendering into the pose.   This allows the deep inner opening to work on all levels. 

When I stand after the pose, I feel incredibly light.  With a spring to my step, I walk in an easeful way.