The morning sky glowed a gentle rose-gold as the sun slowly rose. Inside a quiet, cozy room, CUTIS—the playful little baby monkey with bright, curious eyes—was already awake. But instead of his usual jumping, swinging, and exploring, he sat quietly on Mari’s yoga mat, hugging his tiny knees.
Today was not a day for running. Today was a day for something softer.
Mari walked in, still sleepy-eyed but smiling warmly when she saw CUTIS waiting.
“Good morning, little guy,” she whispered, brushing a hand over his soft fur. “Ready for your daily full body stretch?”
CUTIS tilted his head, then squeaked excitedly. He loved these stretching rituals with Mari. They were calming, fun, and always filled with gentle moments he cherished.
Mari took a deep breath. “Let’s begin.”
1. A Calm Start — Breathing & Awareness
Mari sat down gracefully on the mat, legs crossed, spine tall. CUTIS imitated her, though his posture looked more like a fuzzy little ball balancing on tiny feet.
“Stretching begins with breathing,” she said softly.
She inhaled deeply through her nose, letting her chest lift and her belly expand. CUTIS inhaled too, cheeks puffing adorably like a tiny fruit.
Then they exhaled together—slow, controlled, gentle.
With each breath, the room grew calmer. The air softened. The world felt slower.
Mari closed her eyes for a moment, feeling her body settle.
CUTIS scooted closer, resting against her. The warmth between them set the tone for a peaceful stretching session.
2. Neck Awakening — Releasing Morning Tension
Mari slowly lowered her right ear toward her shoulder, stretching the left side of her neck. Her breaths stayed deep and steady.
CUTIS copied her, leaning his tiny head so far that he nearly toppled sideways. Mari quickly caught him with a giggle.
“Easy,” she whispered. “No rushing.”
They switched sides, letting tension melt from the neck and shoulders. CUTIS blinked in peaceful surprise—the feeling of relaxation was soothing and new each morning.
3. Shoulder Rolls — Softening the Upper Body
Mari rolled her shoulders in slow backward circles.
CUTIS followed, although his circles were big, dramatic, and slightly chaotic.
Still, the stretch worked. Mari felt her upper body loosen, her collarbones opening and her posture improving.
“For flexibility,” she said softly, “we always warm up the shoulders.”
CUTIS nodded seriously, committing this sacred piece of wisdom to his tiny monkey heart.
4. Side Body Stretch — Creating Space to Breathe
Mari extended her right arm overhead and gently leaned left.
CUTIS stretched his little arm too, creating the shape of a miniature furry rainbow.
This stretch lengthened Mari’s ribs, helping her lungs fill fully with air. Her breathing deepened. Her mind quieted.
They switched sides.
The room filled with a serene, warm silence. Even the birds outside chirped softly, as if honoring the calmness inside.
5. Upper-Back Flexibility — Cat & Cow Flow
Mari moved onto her hands and knees.
She arched her back upward—like a cat waking from a nap.
Then dipped her spine low—like a cow looking up at the sky.
CUTIS did the same, but with far more enthusiasm. He wiggled, meowed, and mooed all at once.
Mari laughed. “That’s one creative cow.”
The gentle flow loosened her back beautifully. Each movement released tension and brought warmth to the spine.
CUTIS felt the stretch too, enjoying the soft rocking rhythm.
6. Deep Forward Fold — Hamstring & Back Release
Standing up with grace, Mari folded slowly toward the floor, letting her chest drape over her legs. Gravity helped her stretch deeply without forcing anything.
CUTIS bent forward too… but because he was so tiny, his head practically touched the ground already.
He peeked between his legs at Mari, making her laugh mid-stretch.
The forward fold relaxed her entire back and lengthened her hamstrings. CUTIS felt calm and silly at the same time—a perfect combination.
7. Hip Opener — Gentle Butterfly Pose
Mari sat back down and brought the soles of her feet together.
“This one is for the hips,” she explained.
Her knees fell outward.
CUTIS dropped into the pose easily, his natural flexibility turning him into a fluffy flower.
Mari leaned forward with a soft exhale. Her hips released slowly, like a flower blooming in slow motion.
CUTIS leaned forward too, accidentally bumping his forehead into hers.
Mari giggled. “You’re my little stretching partner.”
8. Spinal Twist — Refreshing the Whole Back
Mari sat tall, crossing her right leg over her left. She twisted gently, looking over her shoulder.
CUTIS twisted too—but spun too far and ended up rolling onto his back like a dizzy pebble.
Mari helped him sit up and guided his little body into a gentle twist.
Both of them breathed deeply.
Their spines felt rejuvenated. Their minds felt clearer.
Twisting always brought Mari a feeling of renewal—CUTIS seemed to enjoy the warmth it brought to his tiny back.
9. Full-Body Stretch on the Floor — Total Relaxation
Mari lay flat on the mat, arms extended overhead, toes pointed.
CUTIS stretched beside her, his tiny limbs reaching in all directions.
For a moment, everything was perfectly still.
Mari breathed in slowly… then released the air with a long, peaceful sigh.
CUTIS closed his eyes, melting into the mat like a soft cloud.
Their bodies lengthened gently, muscles softening from head to toe.
This was the moment Mari loved the most: the pure quiet after all the stretching. A moment of deep connection, peace, and calm.
CUTIS loved it too. He snuggled against her arm, content and warm.
10. Final Relaxation — Ending with Peace
Mari placed one hand on her heart and one on her belly.
CUTIS copied her exactly, both hands patting his little belly.
They breathed together—slow… soft… steady.
The stretching routine had opened their bodies, calmed their minds, and brought a sweet harmony to the morning.
Mari whispered, “Daily stretching keeps us flexible… healthy… and peaceful.”
CUTIS lifted his face into a gentle smile and chirped softly—a tiny agreement from a tiny friend.
The room rested in perfect quietness.
Warm sunlight.
Soft breaths.
Relaxed bodies.
A peaceful morning shared in love and calm.
