Jasper Johal

THE SPINE

Added 2021-04-11 04:44:15 +0000 UTC

People obsess about their abs and pecs. Some worry about their glutes and hamstrings. But, according to yoga, the key to our health lies in our spine.

It is the foundation of everything. Forward bends, backbends, side bends, and twists are all designed to create a healthy spine. It gets us through our day, doings tasks with energy and without pain. A strong spine allows us to sit in meditation comfortably for long periods of time. The seven chakras, the locus of our spiritual energy, are located along our spine.

We tend to take our spine for granted and imagine that all animals have one. But it is a unique gift that evolution came up with. Did you know that of all the animal species in the world, less than 10% have a spine?

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PHOTO: Verronica is a skilled art model based in Oregon. Her knowledge of photographic history make her a very enjoyable model to work with. Part of the permanent ink on her back is in homage to Man Ray’s famous 1924 photograph of his muse, Kiki de Montparnasse. I added to her ink by writing the Tibetan mantra “OM Mani Padme Hum” down her spine, using an eye liner pencil. I find the Tibetan script to be one of the most beautiful lettering in the world.

verronicakirei.com