Yoga pose of the month: Let's study Parsvottanasana (Extended Side Stretch Pose) this month. Here are some ideas for you to consider:
- Before moving into the pose, feel complete equality between each leg. Then move slowly into the pose maintaining that equality.
- Explore the connection between your back heal and your heart.
- How does your head position affect your heart?
- Play with where you place your arms behind your back. While reverse namaste may be the final pose, the average yoga student does not have the wrist or shoulder flexibility to do this one safely (or comfortably!) Try clasping your elbows or even forearms. What about lacing your fingers behind your back? That can be a lovely chest opener! Do you have a position you prefer? Why?
- Play with how far apart your feet are. How does the distance affect the pose? Does it affect how grounded you feel? You can play with both how far they are from each other lengthwise and widthwise. Just be careful playing with the width. When feet are crossed too far (even heal to arch) or too far apart (wider than the sit bones), it can be hard on the Sacro-iliac joint.
- Can you ground more through your back leg? Press the heal, wake up the inner thigh, put more energy into the hamstring -- get the back leg going!
If you are a teacher, challenge yourself to teach this pose in each class this month. Add this component: Can you find something new to teach (and learn)?
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