Besides being a lovely reminder of the new life all around us in Spring, Child Pose is an excellent way to ease and relax the lower back, where so many of us store our stress and tension.

Find relief and gentle stretching restfulness with this simple pose:

Child Pose lengthens the spine and rounds out the inner curve of the lower back, widening the back of the pelvis.

1. Kneel forward, placing the head on the arms. If this is comfortable, take the arms apart and rest the forehead on the floor. Then take the arms behind, resting them on the ground, palms up.

2. Exhale toward the back of the waist, and relax the hips. As the in-breath comes, feel the back ribs widening. Stay in the pose, breathing, as long as is comfortable.