Spinal Alignment

Ruwan explains that the small muscles around your spine are ones you don't normally control on purpose. Picturing space between the bones is the way to reach them. Even in fused areas like the tailbone and sacrum, imagining release signals those muscles to let go.

When you reach your tailbone, you're reminded that those fused bones were once a tail. You spend a moment imagining what it would feel like to move one, just for fun. Then you picture a thread drawing the tailbone downward, which starts the release at the base of the spine.

You begin by noticing your breath, then scan the whole spine without changing anything. After that you move upward: tailbone, sacrum, the five lumbar bones, the twelve thoracic bones, then the seven bones of the neck. Finally you hold the whole length in mind.

One thread gently pulls your crown upward and another draws your tailbone downward. Together they give the picture of your whole spine lengthening. The aim is to become a little straighter while finding the most easeful natural curve, not to stand rigidly.

He says muscles around the spine contract for good reasons, like lifting a heavy load or protecting you, whether physically or emotionally. Sometimes they forget to release afterward. The practice is a reminder for them to let go.

You're told that if you feel expansion, that's great, and if you don't, that's all right. Imagining the bones separating is the practice itself. The closing idea is to build a habit of release, and to check in with your spine during the day.