Everyone was standing with their arms raised above their heads and palms touching. Some had their spines arched in beautiful backbends. I was there. My arse high in the air in a forward fold. Could it have been more obvious that I missed something along the way? My first yoga class… Rach Gurney
Take Flight
Bakasana or Crow pose is a bent arm balance – This pose connects the upper and lower extremities to challenge concentration, develop arm strength and foster trust in our body to find balance. Crow pose can be accessed by standing on blocks to raise the feet more easily and positioning a pillow in front can help to reduce the fear of falling. For those with injuries, a supine bakasana might be offered where students lie on their back and draw their knees to their upper arms.
Surrender.
The world is less crazy when it’s upside down!
In Sirsasana, or Tripod headstand, the triceps, biceps, quads and core muscles work together to shape this position. Restorative in nature, this pose can be commonly seen at the end of a class and positively affect blood pressure and the flow of cerebral spinal fluid. There is a feeling of freedom when the body is aligned and I love experimenting with different leg positions.
Stop to rest.
Balasana or Child’s pose is a gentle resting pose that is offered when the body feels fatigued. It passively stretches the muscles of the back through the flexion of the spine and relaxes muscles at the front of the body. Variations of Child’s pose can be offered. For example, ‘chicken wings’ can be cued in class which encourages gentle flexion of the wrists. To access this, students place their hands by their knees with the palms facing up and fingers towards the back of the room with elbows high like chicken wings. .
Brene Brown
‘Vulnerability is the most accurate measurement of our courage.’
Take a breath and enjoy the journey
Surrender and be vulnerable. Talk to yourself with the same level of empathy and compassion that you have for your friends. Be bold, be brave and get on the mat. Demand time for you.
