The Turtle Yoga Posture

The turtle pose (Kurmasana) has many physical benefits, including increased circulation to the hip and groin area as well as stretching of the upper and lower back. 

The poem and picture below are adapted from The ABCs of Yoga for Kids.

Illustration by Kathleen Rietz

 From a seated position,

I bend my knees and open my legs wide.

I am becoming a shy turtle,

Carrying a shell in which to hide.

With my feet flat on the floor,

I bring my arms under my knees.

Looking down toward my belly,

I count, "One-two-three!"

Then slowly lifting my head out of my shell,

I look up and see that 

The world around me is swell.