Balancing Act
This issue’s cover model Amy Ippoliti shows us how to move from Supta Padangusthasana to Ardha Chandra Chapasana. We give you a sneak peak here, you can find the whole practice in the latest issue. Supta Padangusthasana Supta = Reclining · Pada = Foot Angusta = Big toe · Asana = Pose Reclining Hand-to-Big Toe […]
Pose Dedicated to the Sage Marichi I
Marichi is the great-grandfather of Manu (“man, thinking, intelligent”), the Vedic Adam, and the “father” of humanity. (mar-ee-chee-AHS-anna) Marichi = literally a ray of light. Pose Dedicated to the Sage Marichi I: Step-by-Step Instructions Sit in Dandasana (Staff Pose). Bend your left knee and place the foot on the floor, with the heel as close […]
Noose Pose
This position, suitable for intermediate and advanced students, is described in the Full Pose section below. First we’ll look at a simpler version of this twist, using the wall as a prop. (posh-AHS-anna) pasa = a snare, trap, noose, tie, bond, cord, fetter Noose Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions Stand in Tadasana (Mountain Pose) next to […]
Marichi’s Pose
(mar-ee-chee-AHS-anna) Marichi = literally means a ray of light (of the sun or moon). Marichi is the son of Brahma and chief of the Maruts (“shining ones”), the war-like storm gods. He’s one of the seven (sometimes 10 or 12) seers (rishis) or lords of creation (prajapatis), who intuitively “see” and declare the divine […]
One-Legged King Pigeon Pose
The full pose, which is suitable for intermediate students, will be described in the Full Pose section below. First we’ll practice the leg position only, which should be accessible to most experienced beginners. (aa-KAH pah-DAH rah-JAH-cop-poh-TAHS-anna) eka = one pada = foot or leg raja = king kapota = pigeon or dove One-Legged King […]
Fire Log Pose
Fire Log Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions Sit on one edge of a thickly-folded blanket, knees bent, feet on the floor. Lightly shrug your shoulders up, strongly roll the heads of your upper arm bones back, and press the bottom tips of your shoulder blades into your back. Slide your left foot under your right leg […]
Extended Hand-To-Big-Toe Pose
Extended Hand-To-Big-Toe Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions From Tadasana, bring your left knee toward your belly. Reach your left arm inside the thigh, cross it over the front ankle, and hold the outside of your left foot. If your hamstrings are tight, hold a strap looped around the left sole. Firm the front thigh muscles of […]
Easy Pose can be hard
For some, Easy Pose isn’t that easy. For millennia, people all over the world have been sitting on the ground in cross-legged positions such as Sukhasana (Easy Pose). Although this seated posture looks simple and even commonplace, when you practice it with a clear intention, Sukhasana has the power to draw you deep inside, leading […]
Wide-Angle Seated Forward Bend
Wide-Angle Seated Forward Bend: Step-by-Step Instructions Sit in Dandasana (Staff Pose), then lean your torso back slightly on your hands and lift and open your legs to an angle of about 90 degrees (the legs should form an approximate right angle, with the pubis at the apex). Press your hands against the floor and slide […]
Reclining Bound Angle Pose
(SOUP-tah BAH-dah cone-NAHS-anna) supta = lying down, reclining baddha = bound kona = angle Reclining Bound Angle Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions Perform Baddha Konasana. Exhale and lower your back torso toward the floor, first leaning on your hands. Once you are leaning back on your forearms, use your hands to spread the back of your […]