Embrace Natarajasana (Dancer Pose)
I struggled with Natarajasana. For months and months, I wobbled back and forth and completely out of the pose. After a particularly frustrating experience, my teacher at the time reminded me that the only way I would be able to find the pose was if I let go. This baffled me. Let go? I’ll fall … Read more
Embrace Pincha Mayurasana (Forearm Stand)
I remember the elation and shock I felt when I lifted up into my first arm balance! I could not believe that I was seriously on my hands with my feet off the floor. I immediately crashed back down, but the feeling was still there… the knowledge that I could. The power of arm balances … Read more
Partner Yoga
Ok, so you got yoga down, you can hang with being present, managing your emotions, flailing limbs, dripping sweat etc… but it’s a whole different thing when you add another person into the equation — someone else’s sweat, limbs, and ideas about how things should work. Dealing with yourself is one thing; adding the element … Read more
Embrace Mayurasana (Peacock Pose)
In the yogic traditions, the peacock symbolizes beauty, strength, compassion, and the ability to destroy snakes or, more importantly, digest their venom. It is said that if you practice Mayurasana you will be able to digest the most toxic of poisons. Not that I’m suggesting you go out and down some arsenic, but your digestion … Read more
Embrace Salamba Sirsasana (Headstand)
This pose evokes a lot of reaction whenever it’s brought up, either great fear or joy in most students. It can be a lifelong challenge. Before walking you through the steps to get into headstand, I want to touch on the concept that it embodies. It is called an inversion for a reason, and it … Read more
ARDHA CHANDRASANA (half moon)
I truly love a balance pose. Not because I love balancing or because I’m good at it (balance poses are anything but effortless for me), but because after falling out of a balance pose it’s always so clear that if you keep straining, it will never happen. Balance poses are really for improving your … Read more
VASHISTASANA (side plank)
check it out at Athleta HERE:http://www.athleta.net/chi/2011/04/26/embrace-vashistasana-side-plank/ It seems like there are as many variations of asanas (poses) as there are teachers. Each school of yoga has its own philosophy about how to proceed with the physical asana. Each teacher reinterprets it for their style and each student adjusts it to fit their body. Your good … Read more
