This practice is a great way to start the day.
Not much knee bending in this session, a simple practice with shoulder stand at the end.
Lift up your knee-caps, energize your thighs. Your legs should feel great after this routine.
Listen to your body and respond to it’s needs. It is the only one you’ve got!
Enjoy
The Peacock pose, forearm balance, had me foxed for years.
As I started to think about the name of the pose and consider a peacocks trait’s (my arms are explaining the way the peacock opens up it’s tail feathers in the title picture), it got my imagination rolling and I was off.
I believe that it’s not about the perfect pose, it is about the correct approach, physically and mentally.
Precautions and contra-indications;
as with all inversions, please avoid during menstruation or if the pose causes pressure in the head, ears or eyes. If you have; back, shoulder, or neck injury.
A heart condition or high blood pressure.
Migraine or head-ache.
Most importantly as with any yoga practice, listen to your own body, be kind and sensitive to your bodies needs.
I remember learning to take the weight on my arms for hand-stands during the yoga class, it was a pose that always made me want to leave the room.
My teacher would say “Just kick up!”. Of course, eventually I did.
This pose strengthens the arms, shoulders and wrists. Practice this with gentle repetition to gradually increase strength, so as to not strain the wrists etc.
Inversions are not advised through the Iyengar tradition during menstruation as it goes against the flow in the body at that time of the month.
A deceptively deep practice. Who would have thought kneeling and crossed legs could be so much fun.
Padamasana (lotus pose) makes an appearance at the end (certainly not a requirement 🙂
The twists are very good for toning, releasing and lengthening the torso and pelvic area as long as you stay within your own capacity for movement.
Gently push your boundaries but not your limits.
If you have low back problems or knee issues, consult your Iyengar teacher first.
Practice with gentle awareness,
shine bright,
Lucy
Starting with a modified sun-salute as a gently dynamic way of easing into the beautiful side rotation of Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana. This pose will bring length to the hamstrings, spine, shoulders, lower back, and the sides of the abdomen. It provides a spinal twist that massages and stimulates the digestive system whilst also relieving fatigue. This pose brings me great joy and up-liftment.
Work within your own capacity
Shine Bright
Enjoy
NB: Not suitable suffering with low back pain or diarrhoea
Simple crossed leg and kneeling positions.
It was warm and this little sequence was the perfect way to get going on a lazy Sunday morning.
Stay gentle in your approach, observing a well lifted spine.
Follow the guidance of an experienced teacher if you have issues with your hips or knees.
Shine bright,
Enjoy!
I’ll be honest, Navasana (boat pose) does not come naturally to me.
Note to self, it’s a practice, not a perfect. Although it’s much easier than it used to be.
This practice draws attention to the hip, thigh and abdominal area, bringing with it strength and tone.
Please excuse my spelling mistake adha should have been ardha (half), you’ll hear it. As Homer Simpson once said “I am so smart, I am so smart , s m r t , s, m, a, r, t. ”
This sequence is not suitable for people with low back problems, menstruation or pregnancy.
Enjoy!
Lucy