The area at the base of the neck, below the collarbones and surrounding ribs one and two, is vital for students to open and lift. Allowing this region to be flushed with blood will allow for better nerve communication, cranial circulation, and a strong and sustained immunity. In Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines this location refers to the lung and heart energies, so critical to our health. By extending our arms, lifting the upper chest, and lengthening and spreading our neck spine, we learn to counter many of life’s daily challenges, like staring into cell phones and grasping with our hands and eyes.

Tim Butler has taught yoga since 2004 with a focus on helping students to have their own deep experience in a safe and sacred space. He began his yoga training in 2001 with Tias Little in the Ashtanga vinyasa and Iyengar traditions, and has completed all 6 levels…