Partner Yoga/Acro Yoga, there is nothing greater than sharing a yoga practice with another person, it's double the fun as well as double the challenge. In this photo: the base (term used in Acro yoga) is my dear friend and fun yogi Amie; she is in Downward Facing Dog/Adho Mukha Svanasana; I/Lil am in a One Legged Stretch/One Legged Boat pose. Practicing yoga with others requires continuous open communication, complete trust, plenty of playfulness, patience and as always practice. Some postures require lots of strength, others extra flexibility or coordination.

Revolved Seated Angle Pose in translation Parivrtta Upaishta Konasana from Sanskrit. Please rest your bottom elbow on a block and a blanket or a bolster for support and deeper release, especially if holding the posture for longer time or additional breaths. Increase rotations and twisting as you stretch at each exhalation; simply allow the body to relax in every breath. Be present. Let go & just enjoy. Looking forward to seeing you at Bliss!

Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose is a challenging standing balancing posture that requires rooted footing through the standing leg, activation of the core muscles/Uddyana Bandha, a focused gaze/Drishti onto a non-moving spot, lots of length/flexibility in the hamstring of the outstretched leg, which means some preparatory postures will be helpful and a must to prevent injuries. This posture can be practiced on the mat in a reclined position also using a strap, especially for those with stiff backs or tight hamstrings. Repeat the posture on both sides of the body. Practice holding the pose for as many long and steady Ujjayi breaths as the standing leg can hold.

Upward Facing Dog, known as Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, or a High Cobra (Bhudjangasana)- a back bend and a transitional pose through the practice of Sun Salutations. I especially enjoyed releasing my somewhat tight back during today's hot hike at Sleeping Giant State Park. The trails have been cleaned up since the storm which left the park a mess, but recently the park was reopened. Enjoy the yoga practice this week at Bliss! Find time for yoga, meditation, hiking and the beach!!!

The pose of the week is a combination of two very different postures/asanas: the amazing, strong and devoted yogi Robin Wall is in Bridge Pose/Setu Bandasana (the base) and I am in Crow/Bakasana (flyer). It was a truly wonderful and much appreciated practice in partner yoga with one of my yogis, because Robin knows these poses and practices yoga regularly. Bridge strengthens legs & core, gets one's back healthier with each practice; it releases and opens shoulders and hips. Crow is an advance arm balance that requires focus as well as it increases it; it strengthens the arms, shoulders and core muscles. Practice these poses on your own in your home practice and at Bliss, by yourself or with a partner.

Sphinx Pose, in Sanskrit Salamba Bhujangasana, "sa" is with, and "alamba" meaning support -- this is a wonderful back bend that's suitable for those with limited flexibility in the back/spine. It is a gentler variation and much easier than Cobra or Upward Dog. Picture was taken at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the Egyptian exhibit (Mother with teen daughter Karlisse). Yoga can and should be practiced in every environment and diverse locations. For instance, I can think of many poses I can practice in many places I find myself (poses named after birds, warriors, objects, etc); tonight after being in the car earlier for a few hours, walking around the museum and running 4 miles, yoga on the bed (need firm mattress) felt just right. I practiced a great hip opener, reclined Tree Pose. I hope you will try postures that make you laugh, help you feel great immediately, help you release tension, as well as encourage you to get out of your comfort zone.

Dear yogi, the goal for this week is to be a Warrior, in fact a specific kind, Warrior 2-- Virabhadrasana 2, pose of this week! Do not be a worrier, because it's not good for your health! Step onto your mat, take a few deep breaths and simply practice. DO not forget to switch sides and hold the posture again. It is good for your mental and physical body. Practice and all is coming. Namaste :-)

King Pigeon Pose --a hip opening pose as well as a chest/heart opener that increases back flexibility. Find focus, looking up skyward; know it, own it and believe it--that you can do ALL that you put your mind and heart up to achieving! Practice this pose to keep your largest joints in your body flexible and mobile; repeat pose on both sides. Hold the pose for several breaths.

Double Triangle Pose

Tripod Headstand/Sirsasana II- This pose is an advanced inversion; it rejuvenates mind & body; stimulates the nervous system; it's an instant change of perspective, even gives your feet a rest! This pose is extra challenging since it's on a lake and on a Stand Up Paddle board. The pose is demonstrated by my ten year old yogi & daughter Karlisse; picture was taken by my husband Charles Wills at Hollow Lake.

1.7 MILLION is the number of American children under age 17 who practice yoga (according to Yoga Journal); let's grow this number!!! :-)

Lilia Wills of Bliss Yoga in Monroe, CT leads the community yoga session at lululemon athletica Danbury Fair Mall on Sunday monrning. www.blissyogaCT.com

Dancer's Pose- Natarajasana-pronounced: na-tara-jahs-anna. This standing balancing pose develops concentration and balance. It tones and lengthens the leg and hip muscles. It stimulates a full range of motion in the shoulders; it opens up the chest muscles, allowing them to expand fully (increasing inhalation volume, which results in better lung capacity).

Warrior 2 variation (chest opener, strengthens and lengthens the legs, builds endurance, increases focus. Being warriors with my yogi partner, my amazing daughter Karlisse; photo taken while practicing yoga on a yoga teaching/ family vacation in Huatulco, Mexico. FYI, practicing on the sand is more challenging due to constantly moving sand and water under the feet. It's important to remember that practicing yoga is about finding balance, not about perfection. Enjoy this pose on your own, with your children, your spouse or whomever is willing to learn more about themselves through this ancient yoga practice while enjoying all of the health benefits.

Standing balancing pose called Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana- it is one of a few variations for this powerful posture that strengthens every muscle in the standing leg and core; it improves balance; increases focus and much more. This pose can be practiced in reclined position for a more restorative or easier version. Straps and blocks or other props can be utilized to help those who are beginner yogis, with physical limitations or have injuries. Photo was taken while on my yoga teaching vacation at Dreams Resort and Spa in Huatulco, Mexico. The waves were incredibly powerful, tides were speedily coming in and it felt invigorating; it was a magnificent location for a yoga practice and shooting some yoga postures.

REVERB (Youth Group) at Beacon Hill Church in Monroe, CT

I challenge you to Bliss filled Chaturanga Challenge! Low Plank or Four-Limbed Staff Pose or Chaturanga Dandasana--Strengthen arms core and legs; increase focus and confidence, basically practice & more practice while linking your mindful breath with movement.

Mountain Pose/ Tadasana-- in this variation arms are extended upwards instead of the hips, it opens the heart, feeling the snowflakes on my face. This pose helps one feel rooted and focused; it is the basis of all standing postures. Practice it anytime and anywhere not only on the yoga mat.

Camel Pose pose or Ustrasana- a deep back bend. It can be modified by bringing your hands to the low back or reaching only with one hand to one foot then repeating on the second side. It is not for those with high or low blood pressure, migraine, insomnia or serious low back or neck injuries. Therapeutic applications: respiratory ailments, mild backache, fatigue, anxiety, and menstrual pain. To intensify/deepen this pose, one can flatten the front of the feet and reach the hands as low as the body feels comfortable. If too intense practice other back bends: cobra, bow, bridge, upward dog, hero postures...

Extended Triangle Pose, Utthita Trikonasana is a great standing posture that lengthens, stretches and opens the hips, arms & shoulders. The gaze/drishti is upwards, neck turns without force towards the lifted arm. Repeat posture on both sides of the body. Hold the pose for 6-12 breaths or as long as the body feels challenges not fatigued. Enjoy the sense of openness in the body and mind.

Meditation, mindfulness, a regular yoga practice does not require a lot of time, or a fancy place or expensive apparel. In fact, it should be a genuine and regular practice anywhere and anytime. In this Easy Seated Pose, known as Sukhasana I am taking in the sounds of the waterfalls at the Wadsworth Falls State Park, CT. Please close your eyes, sit in a comfortable spot, keep your spine straight, sunshine on your chest (no hunching or rounding of shoulders), and just breathe deeply. You can keep hands in any preferred Mudra (i am practicing my favorite). Practice the Ujjayi Pranayama (breathing in and out of your nostril) ; stay in this pose surrendering to your breath as long as you feel comfortable or time allows.