Good day, Steemians!

"My witness is the empty sky." -- Jack Kerouac

There's talk of integrity in my community today,
so I'll continue the discussion here.
To me, integrity means doing what you know to be
moral and honorable even if no one is watching.
It's a choice to live up to a code or standard you hold for yourself.
I am blessed beyond measure to have
an unwavering example set for me,
and I try to live up to it because it makes me feel good!
It's cool to be all ethical and righteous and shit,
but to be quite honest, I'm motivated by the selfish incentive
that I like the way it feels.
I like the satisfaction of doing my best.
A lack of integrity is the same as dishonesty for me;
I prefer people can count on me to uphold agreements.
I like the way truth and honor and valor feel.
I've seen some dramatics play out around here, Steemit,
and it's not my favorite part of this platform.
I see it, and I choose not to partake.
Diving in or calling it out might be the right choice for some,
but I'll just hold space for values to shine through.
I'm giving thanks for more and more opportunities to
check myself and get my mind correct.
Yoga is a great way to practice integrity,
so I'll just keep on keeping on and share a
sweet, helpful way with you.

This is Cow Face Pose

AKA Forward Fold over Stacked Knees

AKA Gomukhasana in Sanskrit

(go = cow, mukha = face, asana = pose/posture)

This makes sitting more comfortable.

I'm told this pose is so named because if you look down,
the knees form the nose,
and the feet form the ears of a cow.
Use your imagination!

This stretches the ankles, hips and thighs,
and is a great move for chronic knee pain.
With arm variations it can hit the
shoulders, armpits and triceps, and chest too.
It can correct posture
and decompresses the low spine. 

I mostly focus on the legs when I practice this pose,
because my shoulders are relatively open
but my hips are super tight.
That's part of practicing integrity in yoga:
knowing what your body needs today
and giving it to it. 
Check in every day, and take the modifications
that are appropriate for your here and now. 

How to COW FACE POSE:

• From seated with legs extended, draw the left foot towards the right sit bone.
• Right leg crosses over, with knees stacked and right foot towards left sit bone.
• Inhale length to the upper body.
• Exhale and fold forward.
• I like to press on my feet, but there are many variations of this pose: you can also raise the right arm, bend it, and place the right hand between the shoulder blades. Left arm comes around, bends, and the hands meet. You can use a strap here if the hands don't meet.  This is super duper for opening the shoulders!
• Sit on a folded blanket if the sit bones aren't resting on the floor and knees have a hard time stacking. 

Breathe in, breathe out. 

Breathe in, breathe out. 

Breathe in, breathe out.

💛  Sara!
We make custom Steemit gear!
Thank you @everlove for the lovely photography (super stoked to play with you in Amsterdam!!),
and thank you @quinneaker for living YOGA and showing me a better way! 

>:<>:<>:<>:<

You can still get a ticket for STEEMFEST! Reserve your spot in Yoga!

Thank you @quinneaker & @roelandp for making my dream to teach at STEEMFEST a reality! Check it out Sunday, November 13th at 8:30 am!