Tom Sawyer photo

Bath tub stretch

Here Thea Sawyer and her/our esteemed teacher Ginette Guedu, practice the “bathtub stretch”. It looks like they are sitting in the air.  In fact, a thoracic vertebra is pressed against the edge of a bathtub, or here, a wooden railing. (Don’t worry, we can’t see it in the photo, but there’s padding – a soft cloth –between the bone and the railing.)

Usually, we stretch the spine from the pelvis, either from sitting or standing. First, we stabilize our pelvis, then our spine stretches upward. In the “bathtub stretch” we stabilize a thoracic vertebra on the edge of the bathtub, or a bathtub equivalent. With the thoracic stable, we drop our pelvis, creating a reverse stretch in our spine.

When done in Balance, both ways of stretching create space between the vertebrae, which benefits the spine.

Ginette demonstrates how to do the “bathtub stretch” easily and effectively. She gives weight to her pubic bones, as you can see by looking at the length of the line from her naval to her pubis. Because the weight is dropping into her pelvis, she doesn’t have to tighten her legs to hold herself up. This image shows the equilibrium in the pose which allows her to be at ease.

By contrast, look closely at Thea doing her best to imitate Ginette. Ginette releases her pubic bones downward; her thighs are relaxed. Thea is still learning the feeling of releasing weight downward. She tucks her pelvis and holds her pubic bones up. That means her thighs are carrying her body weight, which makes them tight.

Learning to see these details is part of the path of Balance. Seeing and doing reinforce each other. As you begin to do the practice, see more. Your visual perception then enhances your ability to understand and practice more effectively.

This photo is a great example of the path of learning to live on the line of gravity. We are stressed and tense because we hold ourselves in place physically instead of letting go into gravity. It takes persistence and patience to progress. It’s seldom easy for anyone.

Consider yourself blessed if you comprehend the importance of Balance for lifelong safety, vitality, and strength.

Those who don’t get it, don’t stick with it. You get it, you stick with it. Lucky us!