Supported Shoulder Stand (Ardha Sarvangasana)

Half shoulder stand brings energy through the pelvis and up and out the legs. When mulabandha is engaged, it gives a reversed life to the pelvic floor that is complimentary to the inversion of the internal organs and the reversed flow of blood in the legs. It also massages the thyroid gland.

This asana is performed in a restorative manner – legs up the wall, back on the floor. This pose provides an inversion for the lower body and is an excellent way to end a restorative practice. The only prop necessary is the wall. A folded blanket placed under the torso provides additional elevation.

Anatomical focus: Pelvis and legs

Therapeutic application: Energizing and calming (personal experience)

Affected muscles: Pelvis, Quadriceps (personal experience)

Benefits:

• A wonderful stretch for the quads
• Helps relieve mild depression, anxiety, and fatigue (personal experience)

Personal Observations: well needed stretching and creates a sense of calm

Baxter, Christopher Ken. Kripalu Hatha Yoga. Lenox: Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health.
Inner Idea. Restorative Yoga Teacher Training.18 August 2010.
< http://www.inneridea.com/library/restorative-yoga-teacher-training >
Iyengar, B.K.S. Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health. London: Dorling Kindersley, 2001.
Active Interest Media Company. Yoga Journal. 19 September 2010.
< http://www.yogajournal.com/ >

Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Baddhakonasana)

Bound Angle opens the groin and inner thighs while lengthening the spine and opening the chest.

This pose provides gentle opening to the hips and chest, and is an excellent time to focus on breathing or to introduce a heart-opening meditation. Lean bolster on stack of blankets or blocks. Place rolled blanket under each knee. Strap can be looped behind lower back, over insides of legs and around feet. This allows students to relax any effort to hold feet together.

Regular practice of this asana increases the flow of blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and back. It is beneficial for arthritis of the knee, hip, and pelvic joints.

Anatomical focus: Thighs

Therapeutic application: Sciatica

Affected muscles: Thighs – Pectineus, Adductor longus, Gracilis

Benefits:

• Stretches the inner thighs, groins, and knees
• Helps relieve mild depression, anxiety, and fatigue
• Traditional texts say that Baddha Konasana destroys disease and gets rid of fatigue.

Personal Observations: well needed stretching and creates a sense of calm

Baxter, Christopher Ken. Kripalu Hatha Yoga. Lenox: Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health.
Inner Idea. Restorative Yoga Teacher Training.18 August 2010.
< http://www.inneridea.com/library/restorative-yoga-teacher-training >
Iyengar, B.K.S. Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health. London: Dorling Kindersley, 2001.
Active Interest Media Company. Yoga Journal. 19 September 2010.
< http://www.yogajournal.com/ >

After 3 years, I am finally going to be completing my Yoga Teacher Training. Developing Fibromyalgia has given me a completely different outlook on my body, and on line. There are only 2 items I need to complete for my third yoga portfolio:

1. Video of you teaching a 15 – 30 minute segment of a yoga class. Must include asana, and breath awareness or pranayama. Practice will help this to be more natural and relaxed. Write your observation about what you learned in the process.
2. Analyze any three yoga postures using Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Asana Mudra, Pranayama, Bandha, Iyengar’s Path to Holistic Health & the yoga journal website. Compare and note any contrasting or conflicting information.

My month off in September seems like the opportune time as I work to come to healing of my own body, mind, and spirit.

I am slowly developing my room of tranquility, an oasis of peace within this house of chaos.

• sauna
• my new singing bowl
• yoga books and supplies
• inspirational reading and divination decks
• cushions everywhere to laze upon

By the end of the month of September, when I am working again, this will truly be my sanctuary.