Kiran felt a flutter in his tummy. It wasn't from hunger, but from a wobbly, uncertain feeling. "It's your Manipura, your solar plexus chakra," his mother said gently. "It's like a little sun inside you. When it's bright, you feel strong and confident. Let's do some yoga to make your inner sun shine."
"We'll start with Plank Pose, or *Phalakasana*," she said. "It builds your inner fire." Kiran got on his hands and toes, making his body long and straight like a sturdy bridge. He wobbled a bit, but then he found his strength, holding his body firm.
"Next is Boat Pose, *Navasana*," his mom instructed. Kiran sat down and lifted his legs and chest off the floor, balancing on his seat. He stretched his arms forward. He felt his tummy muscles work hard, like the strong anchor of a boat holding steady in the water.
"Now for a twist! Let's do Revolved Chair Pose, or *Parivrtta Utkatasana*." Kiran bent his knees as if sitting in an invisible chair. Then, he brought his hands together at his heart and twisted, looking up towards the ceiling. He felt a gentle squeeze in his belly, wringing out the wobbles.
"Time to be a warrior!" his mom cheered. "This is Warrior III, *Virabhadrasana III*." Balancing on one leg, Kiran stretched his other leg back and his arms forward. He was like a superhero flying through the sky, strong and fearless.
"Let's open your heart with Upward-Facing Dog, *Urdhva Mukha Svanasana*," she said. Lying on his tummy, Kiran pressed into his hands and lifted his chest high, arching his back. He felt a bright, warm light spread from his belly all the way to his smiling face.
"Now, let's try Bow Pose, *Dhanurasana*." Still on his tummy, Kiran reached back to hold his ankles, lifting his chest and thighs off the floor. He rocked gently, feeling like a strong, steady bow, ready to send a happy arrow into the world.
"Time for a challenge! This is Crow Pose, or *Bakasana*." Kiran squatted down, placed his hands on the mat, and rested his knees on his upper arms. He took a deep breath and lifted his feet off the ground! For a moment, he was flying like a clever crow.
"Let's cool down with a Seated Spinal Twist, *Ardha Matsyendrasana*," his mom said softly. Sitting tall, Kiran twisted his body, looking over his shoulder. With every breath, he felt the last of the wobbly feelings melt away, leaving only calm strength.
Lying in final rest, Kiran placed a hand on his tummy. The flutter was gone. In its place was a steady, warm glow. His inner sun was shining brightly. He felt strong, he felt brave, he felt ready for anything.
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