Set Seven
Visualize lavender to purify karma through divine sight.§
19. Sit on the left hip and place the right foot over the left knee. Insert the left arm under the bent right knee. Extend the right arm behind the back and clasp the left hand with the right, or, as an easier alternative, grasp the right knee with the left arm. Keep the spine as straight as possible. This is the spinal twist, matsyendrāsana, मत्स्येन्द्रासन. Turn the head slowly to the left each time you inhale, and back to the right as you exhale.§
20. Repeat the spinal twist pose on the opposite side, visualizing lavender. In each āsana, be totally at ease. Harnessing the breath’s three phases (inhalation, retention and exhalation) directs the flow of calming and relaxing body and mind.§
21. Coming out of the twist, bring the soles together and hold the feet with both hands in the bound-eagle pose, baddha koṇāsana, बद्धकोणासन. Let the knees lower to the floor. Free the mind of thoughts and tensions, and you will be more aware, more alive, more serene.§