After Bow Pose, in Exhale Release, which ear rests on the mat and which direction do you look?

• A. Place your left ear on the mat and look to the right
• B. Place your right ear on the mat and look to the left
• C. Relax your hands by your sides
• D. Look straight ahead

Answer: (A)

In this transition, the goal is to soften the neck and let the spine unwind from the backbend. Placing the left ear on the mat gives a stable, gentle base for the head, helping the neck relax and align with the torso as you release. Looking to the right while the left ear stays down creates a calm, controlled rotation of the neck that releases tension along the left side and opens the right side of the chest, without forcing the neck into a deep twist. This alignment reduces strain on the cervical spine and supports a safe, restful exhale release from Bow Pose. Other cues like keeping the hands relaxed by the sides or looking straight ahead don’t specifically support that neck release and can keep the neck and shoulders more tense during this transition.