The Fabulous Five Seated Forward Extensions: from Preparation to Final Positions (Short Course; Level: Intermediate)
A detailed exploration of the five classical seated forward extensions – janu sirsasana, triangamukha ekapada paschimottanasana, ardha baddha padma paschimottanasna, and marichyasana I, and paschimottanasana. These are not the most complex of the forward extensions, but taken together, they are fabulous in exploring different hip, leg, ankle, spine movements, with their differing effects on he […]
Seated Forward Extensions: Supported Positions for a Quiet Practice
In this final session of the Short Course on seated forward extensions, we practice these asanas with support. Such a practice is emotionally quietening, cooling (and therefore recommended for hot days), can relieve headaches, and is part of the practice for high blood pressure, and womens’ menstrual practice. The use of supports makes especially makes […]
Seated Forward Extensions: Enriching Paschimottanasana
Paschimottanasana is given a special place in the category of seated forward extensions. Inspite of the simplicity of its shape, this is a very potent asana. its alternate names brahmacaryasana and ugrasana testify to the power inherent in this asana. In this session, we learn to appreciate how the other forward extensions enrich paschimottanasana. Level: […]
Moving the Arms and the Legs from a Steady Core: Balance, Roll, Revolve
Learning to use the muscles of the abdominal area: progression from the previous session with stronger arm and leg actions, and adding the challenges of balancing, rolling and revolving. Level: Experienced Beginner Duration: 60min Props required: yoga strap, blocks, a blanket This session is part of the Short Course Short Course #2 for Abdomen: Moving […]
The ‘Eka Pada’ of Back Arches
Eka pada (lit. one-leg)actions teach us to observe and balance two perspective – seemingly opposites of each other. In this session we explore the front and back legs scissoring away from each other as it plays out in back arches. Duration: 90 mins. Level: Intermediate Props needed: a stack of firm blankets or a bolster, […]
Knee Alignment: Explanations and Experiences
Basic concepts in knee alignment, how to diagnose imbalances, and to take simple corrective measures. Level: Beginner, Experienced beginners, Intermediate, Gentle Duration: 90 mins; Props needed: a yoga strap, a belt, a sturdy chair This recording is part of the following Short Courses: Short Course #1 for Knees: from Healing to Challenging (Short Course; level: […]
Knee Health: Creating ‘Space’ at the Joint
The subjective experience of ‘Space’ at the knee joint. Creating and maintaining that space in extended and flexed leg positions to protect the cartilage and ligaments. Level: Experienced Beginner, Intermediate, Gentle Duration: 90 min; Props needed: couple of yoga blocks, a few firm blankets, a couple of yoga straps or any long piece of cloth, a […]
Invigorating Standing Asanas for the First Week of the Month
This is a session of strong standing asanas practice. It covers most of the standing asanas, and ends in inversions and seated twists. The strong holds, no use of props, and the continuous progression from one asana to the next, makes it an intermediate level session. Level: Intermediate Duration: 75min Props required: minimal props are […]
Viparita Karani Deep Dive: the Serenity of the Inverted Lake (Short Course Level: Experienced Beginners, Gentle)
In the Iyengar tradition, the restorative qualities of viparita karani are harnessed by making possible long supported holds. This position/ action finds mention in the yogic scriptures ( indeed, its benefits are said to be ‘death defying’), but without clear description. It was Mr BKS Iyengar who not only interpreted the action, but also made it […]
Progressive Weight Bearing, Flexion and Rotation for Resilient Knees
Care and the discretion are advised when dealing with an injured and weak knee. But the knee (like all other joints) will ultimately benefit from learning to bear weight, and learning to negotiate weight transfer in a dynamic manner. This last session in this Short Course takes the next step into dynamic weight transfer into […]
