Wise Owl Looks Backward

Somatic Movement

Joint Rotation Links

Also Known as Gaze at Heels. Stand in Wuji with legs together. Turn your head slowly to the left keeping the chin parallel to the floor. Do the movement slowly so you pause when you are at 80% of your maximum movement. Move your head slowly forward and then to the right 80%. when you get to these 2 placements, stretch your eyes to look behind you. If there is any pain at any point, stop the movement. if you have a recent injury, begin at 40% of your maximum movement. As you do the movements slowly, you are mindfully noticing how the connective tissues running down the spine are winding downward in one direction and then the other. Hips face forward. This movement works with the nervous system as it moves up and down the spine. It helps to condition the Spine. It is also helpful in draining the lymphatic fluid from both hemispheres of the brain. it stimulates the Vagus Nerve. The neck is the first area of the body to tense and the last to release tension. Regular practice will help release tension on a regular basis so it does not build up. Range of motion in these joints will increase safely over time.