Chest and Abdominal Separation, pt. 1 of 2: Lecture & Demonstration (FREE Resource)
A brief introductory lecture and demonstration of how we can attempt to have a subjective experience of the breath in our bodies. This session also introduces the vocabulary that we often use in our classes to indicate the movement of the breath in the different regions of the body. This is the short first part […]
Chest and Abdominal Separation in Breathing, pt. 2 of 2: Demonstration & Experience (FREE Resource)
This is the second part on the introductory lecture/ exercise/ experience on experiencing the breath in the body. The session introduces one of the most common positions in which pranayama preparation is introduced in our tradition: a supine position with a support for the chest. This session is best done in combination with the first […]
Taking a stable ‘Seat’ for the Experience of Breath (audio) (FREE Resource)
‘breath explorations’ are preparatory actions for pranayama. while such explorations can be done in all asana positions, some are more conducive – allowing for longer stays with stillness and stability, with no mental strain. we usually do them in supported supine positions. the set-up and basic instructions of many such positions are available in the […]
Hip Health: Balancing Flexibility with Firmness
Stiff/ ‘tight’ hips, are connected to lower back pain, wearing out of the hip socket, arthritis of the knee, menstrual discomfort etc. To maintain the overall health of the hips, it is important to include many kinds of hip actions in our practice. Asanas like baddhakonasana and supta baddhakonsasana, upavistakonasana and padmasana, are often referred […]
Beginner Back Arches Practice Part 2: Urdhva mukha svanasana, Chatuspadasana, Purvottanasana
The second Part of the Back Arches Series at the Beginner/ Experienced Beginner Level looks at urdhvamukha svanasana, chatuspadasana, purvottanasana. This can be done as a stand-alone session, but we recommend doing the session Beginner Back Arches Part1: Strengthening Arms, Shoulders and Legs to Prepare for Back Arches, before attempting this session Level: Beginner/ Experienced […]
Arm Extensions that Lead to Success in Forward Bends
This session starts with a lot of arm-work – first done in isolation; and then incorporated in standing asanas. This gets us ready to attempt forward extending positions. Although this session can be done as a stand-alone session, we recommend that you do it along with the session Varied Arm Actions that Lead to Success […]
Receiving Quietness and Support From the Wall: Abdominal Engagement
These set of sessions facing the wall have a calming effect on the nervous system. They are also preparation and orientation for the classical prone positions that are greatly beneficial for respiratory health. While not a menstrual practice, this session is supported, and relaxing. It is, therefore, also suitable to be done during normal menstruation. […]
Standing and Inverting to Complement Back Arches
This is an intermediate level class that involves energising backward extensions. In this session, back arches are interspersed with standing and upside-down positions that complement the backward-arching actions. Level: Intermediate Duration: 80 mins. Props required: a sturdy chair, a couple of blocks, one strap, stack of blankets for sarvangasana, halasana
How to Approach Stiffness in Hips
Stiff/ ‘tight’ hips, are connected to lower back pain, wearing out of the hip socket, arthritis of the knee, menstrual discomfort etc. and therefore do not realise the importance of flexibility in hips. Once stiffness has set in, re-gaining flexibility might feel like an impossible feat. But it can be done through consistent effort. This […]
Simple Practice for Immunity Enhancing
A combination of active asanas, is followed by supported positions that are to be held at least for a few minutes each. While the asanas in this session are not complex, for the longer stay in some of these asanas to be effective, some familiarity with these asanas is required. Level: Experienced Beginners Duration: […]
