Rolling to the Right

Many times I have heard people ask why we are instructed to roll to our right side at the end of our yoga practice.  My rationale had been unity – everyone facing the same direction.  A Yoga Journal article by Desiree Rumbaugh gives more insight into our “roll call” below.

The practice of rolling to the right has a symbolic as well as a physiological basis.  In India, it is considered more auspicious to enter a holy place with the right foot, and in many parts of the world, we extend our right hand in greeting.  The right side also represents the east; rolling toward the east, or the rising sun, symbolizes asking for blessings, grace and bliss.

Physiologically, since your heart is on the left, when you roll to the right, it remains open and free of pressure.  Rolling to the right also keep the ida nadi (one of the main channels of prana, or the life force, which corresponds to cooling energy) active and helps keep your body in a state of calmness as you come into a sitting position.