Yoga - Backbends - Posture

Open the Cave of Your Heart

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Last week, we worked with forward bends. The one thing that became apparent by the end of the week was that many of us round the upper back so much that we miss the lengthening in the front body.

Yes, a forward bend is more lengthening for the back body, but the front body should not collapse.

If you work at an office, take a look around you and notice how many folks are slumped in their chairs. As we get older, many of us begin to collapse in the front and chronically round the spine. Thus the poor posture that we so often see or even experience. In an extreme case, kyphosis occurs.

So, this week we'll work with backbends and expanding the heart fully. One of the greatest benefits of backbends is a fullness of breath. The rib cage opens up, the heart has more space, and the diaphragm can move freely. The biggest risk point, is the low back. Be sure to keep the tailbone moving towards the pubic bone and the pubic bone lifting up the front body.

Just as in the forward bends, the tendency is to collapse the front body; in backbends, the tendency is to collapse the low back. Resist this by first warming up the body and starting with easier backbends, simple twists, and some lateral openers.

This week beginner's challenge asana will be dhanurasana (bow) and continuing students will explore pincha mayurasana (forearm balance).

Enjoy and see you at class,
Kris
www.TotalHealthYogaClasses.com

Relaxation - Flexibility

After any training, it takes some time to assimilate and integrate potential new ideas into the classroom.

As most of you know, I just returned from 5 days with Rod Stryker -- read all about it on the main blog.

Already we're experimenting with some of the Viniyoga techniques that Rod uses, such as more dynamic movements to build strength, flexibility, muscle memory, and circulation.

Based on most current student's interest in "flexibility and relaxation", this week we'll focus on forward bends and a fluid dharana (concentration which can lead to meditation or dhyana). Based on folks abilities, we'll use variations of Marichi I and Marichi II.

A hand mudra, called the Buddhi Mudra, will be used during the meditation to enhance the fluidity of our bodies.

See you all next week,
Kris K
www.TotalHealthYoga.com
www.TotalHealthYoga.Blogspot.com

Health - Maybe it IS something to laugh about

This week in class we'll tell a few jokes and talk about how laughter is important to our physical and mental health.

Marichi literally means ray of light and the Yoga poses by that name are to honor the sage, Marichi, son of Brahma. Brahma is the symbol of creation.

To find a little joy and lightness in the body, beginners will work with Marichyasana III (sans the bind :-)) and continuing classes will focus on Marichyasana I.

"Remember, it is more important for a smile to spread over your chin than it is to get your chin to your shin." - Sturart Rice

Namaste,
Kris
www.TotalHealthYoga.com
www.TotalHealthYoga.Blogspot.com