How long do you usually hold postures in a vinyasa class? Thirty seconds? Five breaths? We do not usually hold poses for very long. Some postures we hold for longer, such as Headstand and Shoulderstand. We might hold those for five minutes. We also hold restorative postures for five minutes or more. Parivrtta Balasana is one of those poses that are better when held for a slightly longer period of time. It is not quite a restorative posture, but it is not quite active either. In Parivrtta Balasana you have to get very still and quiet, let go of doing and come into being. You cannot think or exert your way into this deep twist you have to surrender to it. This is a great example of having to get out of your left brain, which is the analytical thinking brain and come into your right brain, which is the more holistic, pictorial side of your brain. In this state of mind you allow yourself to feel where your body is in space and allow it to relax and let go. You have to get very quiet and retreat inward. Then imagine yourself feeling like pulled taffy and slowly allow yourself to sink into this deep twist. This may take a minute or two. Allow your breath to get very fine and subtle.
One of the benefits of this posture is that it is good for helping to reduce fat around the waist. This posture is best performed on an empty stomach, and it may help you to not overeat during this holiday season.
…or lying down in Supta Virasana. These are two of the few poses that you can do after eating. They stimulate the Stomach meridian and the organ itself, promoting digestion.
Lastly, if you do eat too much, you might feel like the pose that we usually call Happy Baby, but at this time of the year, I like to call it Stuffed Turkey!