tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851830388157965412011-07-07T20:11:05.633-05:00Deeply explore one yoga pose each month@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.comBlogger661100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-80486623700887952122009-05-02T14:24:00.001-05:002009-05-02T14:24:32.176-05:00

Join us on our New Blog!

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-39702929037958091612009-04-09T22:12:00.002-05:002009-04-09T22:30:08.700-05:00

Are you really in Sukhasana (Easy, Cross-Legged Pose)? There are many cross-legged positions in yoga, each with its own purpose, so let's figure out what you need to do.Here is Swastikasana (heals line up in front of the perineum):Here is Siddhasana (heals stack on top of each other):And HERE is Sukhasana (Shins are virtually parallel and feet are underneath the opposite knees):Each cross-legged

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-61691328617130129542009-03-30T20:14:00.000-05:002009-03-30T20:15:53.073-05:00

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-74189006164194242872009-03-30T16:27:00.000-05:002009-03-30T16:28:11.499-05:00

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-32083212850849045092009-03-29T15:24:00.001-05:002009-03-29T15:24:59.032-05:00

Are you really in Sukhasana? Shins need to be parallel with feet hidden under opposite knee. Sit in the pose for a long time – 5-10 minutes. What comes up? Compare being on a lift and not. What changes? How is this pose different from Siddhasana? Compare the two. When would one be more appropriate than the other?

@MuseKarennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-5142626551749005782009-03-22T10:57:00.001-05:002009-03-22T10:58:35.976-05:00

With about 10 days to go on this pose, here are some thoughts for you:Put a block between your legs to engage your inner thighs. How does that feel?Do the pose with your back to the wall. How close can you be to the wall and not touch it?Do the pose standing on two blocks. What changes?How does Uttanasana compare to Prasarita Padottanasana for you? Physically AND energetically?

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-54982902341111330112009-03-02T20:25:00.001-06:002009-03-02T20:25:54.245-06:00

Uttanasana used to be a dreaded pose for me. I still have difficulty putting words around what it was precisely that challenged me most. I felt challenged in my hamstrings (used to be very tight and then, after a pull, 13 years of “extra tightness” and discomfort). But even more than the hamstrings, it was the forward fold. I felt uncomfortable in any forward fold and especially this one.

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-22406931289816389812009-03-01T11:11:00.003-06:002009-03-01T11:16:01.462-06:00

Happy March! With March comes a new pose here at Musasana - Uttanasana. Here is a study point to get you started:How does the pose change when your legs are straight versus bent?Have fun playing and let us know what you learn.

@MuseKarennoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-53260973326599911732009-02-25T20:58:00.001-06:002009-02-25T20:59:13.885-06:00

This pose is about courage. Courage to hold your ground, fact your fears and be confident in what you want and believe in...Phew!

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-52266155825155240702009-02-25T20:54:00.002-06:002009-02-25T20:58:18.965-06:00

So, to continue my saga, I was reviewing my Practice Journal and noticed in 2005 not only was this pose on my "dislike" list, it was at the top! So, I found out some interesting things about myself and the pose...Read more here.

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-19750519451716737252009-02-21T08:29:00.002-06:002009-02-21T08:40:33.199-06:00

It seems like there are many rules to follow when doing Warrior I pose--the back foot down, the hips square (oops, the back foot came up when I squared my hips). The tailbone tucked to protect the lower back while extending and back bending (oops I feel it in my lower back because it is really challenging to tuck the tailbone while extending and doing a back bend when my legs are in this

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024399770351636101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-48807523142864499592009-02-16T20:21:00.000-06:002009-02-16T20:22:23.126-06:00

This pose needs the back body fully engaged. What do you need to do to engage it?

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-21621076557423813532009-02-15T16:01:00.003-06:002009-02-15T16:09:28.525-06:00

It is not my first choice! Actually, I do know why they call it ONE and it still is not my first choice. Ask me about Virabhadrasana II or Virabhadrasana III. I love both of those versions - strong and open and free! Virabhadrasana I has never felt like my pose in all of the years I have done it. There is something about that back leg, and there is something about that front leg. Oh yes, and

@MuseKarennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-6982856459542554972009-02-09T15:30:00.001-06:002009-02-09T15:30:33.021-06:00

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-83909762312967335652009-02-09T15:22:00.002-06:002009-02-09T15:25:55.099-06:00

There is no other pose in yoga in which my opinion has changed more. When I first started yoga, I loved this pose. I felt strong and noble and courageous. Then, as I played in it more, I began to feel I didn't know anything about the pose. I didn't know where to put my hips, my back heal, my arms. Now, I am back to loving it. I spent much of last summer playing in it, learning about where I

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-55305619298941868702009-02-05T08:29:00.007-06:002009-02-09T14:03:32.848-06:00

Our pose this month is Warrior I. Here is some inspiration for studying the pose.Play with the position of your arms (hands together, hands apart) and feel the effect on the entire pose.Please leave a comment with your thoughts.

@MuseKarennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-48792409236978075992009-01-14T19:49:00.001-06:002009-01-14T20:31:37.410-06:00

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-18022447464851886562009-01-04T21:19:00.010-06:002009-01-04T21:35:19.310-06:00

To get you started on your month of study, here are some of my favorite variations to teach. The two challenges in this pose (what? Only two?) are balance and strength (mostly core). So the prep variations help with one or the other. Notice in some variations I have my arm down. This modification can be used in any of the variations to make them easier.You can also put your back or feet to

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-31359136569113549552009-01-04T21:14:00.003-06:002009-01-04T21:18:13.806-06:00

Just had to share what MuseBeth did one day when I challenged her to make her day unforgettable. Yep, she is on her desk! Want to see her Downward Facing Dog on her desk? Her poses on her desk not only made her day unforgettable for her but also for me (and, I am guessing, her secretary who took the photo)! She has inspired me to do more each day to make my days unforgettable. Thanks, .mB.!

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-85436332680521471952009-01-02T11:17:00.002-06:002009-01-02T11:17:54.447-06:00

Okay, here we go. My students will be exploring this in each class...probably good they don't know it! :-)

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-50228604238616354652008-12-28T14:03:00.011-06:002009-01-02T16:58:50.498-06:00

Okay, I didn't get to much blogging on this pose this month. So, to make up for my lack of contribution, I thought I'd give you lots of photos! I did teach the pose in each class and practice it in my own practice. I was again reminded of the importance of being grounded strongly in my feet and legs in all variations. Here are my favorite variations of this pose:Traditional hands between

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-80452771603199708112008-12-17T13:16:00.005-06:002008-12-17T13:31:11.593-06:00

I love Prasarita Padottanasana and I was having a lot of fun playing around with it.  I took Laura's suggestion to heart and I've been doing PP in each class I teach and each time I do my own practice, at least until this week...This week I've come down with a cold and am quite stuffy and congested.  I'll take this opportunity to reminder you all to first and foremost listen to your body while

Maryanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-73460281131626733122008-12-14T20:20:00.005-06:002008-12-14T20:43:41.622-06:00

We are only half way through this month. You know what that means? There are still 2 more weeks of Prasarita Padottanasana in the spotlight! I have taught it in all of my yoga classes with great response! I like to start with separating the feet as far as is comfortable and then moving into the pose - and hold it. Focus on keeping the weight back and in the feet. Come up and then moving the legs

@MuseKarennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-63938292872137125442008-12-01T21:36:00.003-06:002008-12-01T21:39:45.086-06:00

This month as I regularly practiced Parsvottanasana (one of my favorite poses) I focused more on keeping my heart open with shoulders and collar bones open and shoulder blades flat. It is hard to keep that open position while folding forward but the openness adds so much to the pose. I focused on this aspect as I taught my students and their poses were beautiful. Now I love the pose even more!

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12024399770351636101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-49526427192096131392008-12-01T10:41:00.001-06:002008-12-01T10:42:40.697-06:00

Commit to practicing the pose of the month in each practice. What did you learn?

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-56643446879104952672008-12-01T10:28:00.004-06:002008-12-01T10:36:33.549-06:00

At the beginning of the month, I posted about how I didn't care for this pose much. I vowed to practice it and teach it in every class for the month to explore where it was my attitude came from. My students and I played with working the feet more, engaging the legs more fully, opening the heart more. I discovered what I didn't like...I have to work harder in the pose than, well, I wanted to.

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-53553681797683618572008-11-30T20:23:00.002-06:002008-11-30T20:28:51.819-06:00

I had not realized how much I enjoy this pose before this month. I cannot say that I practiced it every day. I did study it myself to come up with teaching points and I did put it in many of the classes I taught. There are so many fun variations and great ways to explore this pose. One of my favorites is with the back foot against the wall and the hands down to blocks. Feels so good and really

@MuseKarennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-86609202485787296072008-11-05T20:21:00.001-06:002008-11-05T20:22:48.363-06:00

I taught the pose tonight and focused on keeping weight balanced in both legs. Fun variations! Want to read more? I wrote about it here.

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-20461823499641465722008-11-01T13:16:00.001-05:002008-11-04T13:32:49.617-06:00

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 heart affect your head position?Play with the position of your arms behind your back. Do you have a position you prefer? Why?

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-10780206052707770792008-11-01T12:52:00.003-05:002008-11-01T12:59:12.487-05:00

Okay, this month's pose is one of my least favorite. I injured my hamstring 13 years ago and this pose was the one that most aggravated the injured state. About two months ago I healed the injury completely. (You can read the discussion I had around it with Nadine Fawell.) Anyway, I taught the pose this morning and realized, even though my injury is gone, I still have animosity toward the

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-13567339787532090292008-11-01T09:45:00.002-05:002008-11-01T09:50:22.338-05:00

I love Ardha Chandrasana. Why is it that I had given it no attention in the month of October? Has another pose stolen my heart? No. I'm embarrassed to admit - I just never did it except for those two times I demonstrated it while teaching. That's it. I'm so sorry my love.

@MuseKarennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-48037728199749920172008-10-28T14:00:00.001-05:002008-10-28T14:00:49.658-05:00

Move into the pose in one flowing movement rather than pausing in Trikonasana (Triangle Pose), the traditional “launching” pose.

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-85048060041185981792008-10-28T13:01:00.002-05:002008-10-28T13:59:59.808-05:00

I love this pose, I always have. There is something so freeing in the pose and so calming when I am done with the pose. This month I have worked on keeping the legs more active, from the feet through the inner thigh, and the pose has become even more powerful for me.

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-11936311129809591282008-10-27T15:17:00.002-05:002008-10-27T15:29:16.376-05:00

Ardha Chandrasana (half-moon pose) is a pose I used to hate. Actually, I secretly liked it or at least the idea of it and hated that I couldn't do it. I'd start, standing or in Trikonasana (Triangle pose), nice and open feeling and then struggle in the process of getting into balance. Once in the pose I didn't feel open and strong, I felt unstable and saggy.I think for many people the act of

Maryanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-81643131557025028552008-10-20T14:22:00.000-05:002008-10-20T14:23:20.381-05:00

Let your focus be opening your heart from Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) all the way through the pose.

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-26766101955428542362008-10-18T14:45:00.002-05:002008-10-18T14:48:04.060-05:00

Do you have difficulties relaxing in Savasana? In our culture, it is simply not unusual to find those who cannot surrender in that position. Savasana is actually stimulating to our nervous system! Now I don’t mean stimulating like backbends or headstands, but a bit. The back body is about stimulating (hence the effect of backbends) and the front body relaxing and surrendering (hence the

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-41796198290132460872008-10-06T22:38:00.006-05:002008-10-06T22:52:11.869-05:00

~ Engage the Body and Open Your Heart ~Want to join us in Costa Rica for a fabulous yoga retreat? We will be at Samasati Yoga and Nature Retreat Center January 24-31st. You will enjoy 3 daily yoga sessions with Laura and assisted by Karen (an early morning wake up, a before dinner stretch, and an evening relaxation.)During the day enjoy the Costa Rican jungle. You can take a guided eco-tour

@MuseKarennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-9562882782551437852008-10-01T20:47:00.001-05:002008-10-01T20:48:37.693-05:00

Before we move on to our next pose, tell me, how did you do with the challenge? Did you do Savasana every day? Did you at least do it more often or longer? What happened?

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-44581091938760849082008-09-29T15:41:00.002-05:002008-09-29T15:43:29.245-05:00

~ To Live Your Authentic Life ~ The Art of Manifesting is learning how to make more conscious choices about what you put out into the world with your thoughts. You will learn to think differently by uncovering the false beliefs you have and revealing your fear areas so they no longer control you. As you do so, you will experience a new level of joy about your life. We believe that you will

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-50578293071161239282008-09-29T15:34:00.000-05:002008-09-29T15:35:13.197-05:00

"Discover Joy in the Life You Are Already Living"Join Marya and Laura for a unique teleclass program with monthly topics and weekly inspirations. The program will take you step-by-step through bringing more positive influences into your life and making the negative ones more conscious so you can make different choices. Join us for a month or for a year."The Awaken to Joy program has transformed

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-66215228827664047282008-09-27T12:48:00.003-05:002008-09-27T12:53:29.093-05:00

This morning I came back to Savasana. I've been wanting to do it much more than I actually have. Not for lack of want because I want so much to relax (or at least that's what I think).This morning I had the opportunity to sleep in which happens so infrequently. I'm staying at a hotel with several girlfriends without kids - I'm running on my own time. So what happens? I wake up - wide awake -

Maryanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-79512717612985511062008-09-25T21:27:00.003-05:002008-09-25T21:50:54.664-05:00

Back in May of this year, I found myself avoiding savasana. I wrote this about my experience and what I learned about the avoidance. I forgot about it because I do not practice a long savasana - ever - until this month's challenge - and - my yoga class last night.I forgot that the last Wednesday of the month is restorative yoga. Usually, I don't attend that class except on the days I forget that

@MuseKarennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-78362531898720750512008-09-22T20:24:00.004-05:002008-09-22T20:30:06.754-05:00

We are now three weeks into the month...how is the challenge going? Have you done Savasana daily? Or, at least, more often or longer than usual?

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-42669282795850027002008-09-11T12:50:00.003-05:002008-09-11T13:00:10.618-05:00

Did you know......it takes 15-17 minutes for the body to relax? It is then that Savasana really begins......your hands and feet must be warm for your body to relax?...the room must be darkened?...there are three stages of Savasana: 1. Physiological relaxation 2. Pratyahara -- When you are no longer distracted by your senses. 3. Ashunya -- You only know you have achieved this after the

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-11684304160953430622008-09-01T12:50:00.002-05:002008-09-01T12:52:19.714-05:00

We challenge all of you! Do Savasana every day for the month of September. Let us know how it affects you! If you need some assistance, here is a podcast from Laura for a guided 20-minute Savasana. Enjoy!

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-26520281344026381282008-08-25T13:49:00.002-05:002008-08-25T13:51:20.260-05:00

How can you get more deeply into your upper back? When we twist, we tend to keep the twist in the mid-back, around T-11, T-12, and L-1. Getting it into the upper back is a powerful way of increasing the twist and making it deeper.

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-60130626309048649662008-08-18T21:36:00.003-05:002008-08-18T21:39:56.303-05:00

There are two ways to turn the head in this pose, looking behind you and looking toward your toes. Play with each one. Which do you prefer? Why?

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-87703083418222305712008-08-18T21:33:00.000-05:002008-08-18T21:34:01.948-05:00

(Laura) I have never spent much time studying Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose). I used it to warm up and strengthen my back and breezed past it whenever I was doing Sun Salutations. This month I studied it and taught it. In fact, I challenged myself to teach it each week in one class so I needed to come up with fresh information each week which necessitated new insights. My most illuminating insight

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-75317696804613871402008-07-28T21:17:00.002-05:002008-07-28T21:37:42.527-05:00

(by Marya) Cobra has to be one of my favorite poses recently. As I've grown more open in my back and upper body it has become easier and more comfortable. I often choose to do it instead of Up Dog - I think because it feels more grounding. Tonight on my way to teach a yoga class I accidentally hit my elbow on the car (one of those chasing kids not really watching where I was going things). I

Maryanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-7363937460777250502008-07-21T15:30:00.000-05:002008-07-21T15:31:08.532-05:00

Does where you place your hands affect how you experience the pose?

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-14025998564774909362008-07-07T22:08:00.000-05:002008-07-07T22:09:18.098-05:00

What is your greatest challenge with this pose?

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-77138583990883200332008-06-23T10:47:00.000-05:002008-06-23T10:48:04.850-05:00

Do you prefer hands in front of your chest or overhead? Why? Let us know...

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-44884802200751019402008-06-09T13:39:00.002-05:002008-06-09T13:42:03.766-05:00

On which foot to you usually or always begin? What happens when you change sides? Why?

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-68284100865511427372008-05-31T11:03:00.005-05:002008-05-31T11:30:21.575-05:00

(by Karen) When teaching, I always remind my students to "find" their pose. Anyone can do a pose, but is it your pose?Trikonasana is one that I don't usually find quickly so it is usually added to each practice more than once and spread around. The first one is to remind my body of the technical side, but it never feels like mine. The second time is usually easier to get into and my body is "

@MuseKarennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-72462889261343895322008-05-24T20:48:00.000-05:002008-05-24T20:49:16.145-05:00

(by Laura) So I have been playing with seeing Trikonasana as a twist – very interesting! I set my legs and ground myself and then breath softness into my torso and revolve. Quite delicious!

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-55263256975667304082008-05-19T21:43:00.004-05:002008-05-19T21:53:58.043-05:00

I thought it fitting to say I 'heart' Triangle, in place of I love Triangle, as it is such a wonderful open hearted pose. I do love Triangle pose (Trikonasana) - it is one of my favorites. But why? Good question. Part of my exploration this month is to find out just why I enjoy it so much. Is it the feeling of strength and stability and grounding in the legs?Or because my knees are

Maryanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-53250745989571879322008-05-15T21:13:00.000-05:002008-05-15T21:15:33.403-05:00

I have been working on more firmly engaging my legs in Trikonasana. My legs have been quite a study for the past three years, all in the evolution of my first chakra balancing. I never knew how solid one could feel when the legs are fully engaged! (And I am not sure I am fully engaging them yet – exciting for me!) So, once I have turned my feet, I press the inner edge of my front foot down,

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-55291980128735278722008-05-05T21:04:00.000-05:002008-05-05T21:06:02.011-05:00

(From Laura) I had an amazing month playing in Tadasana. My pose has become infinitely more “mountain-like” in grounding and presence. As a result, I have been playing with firming my standing poses. The legs and arms are the “strength” of the poses so the body and heart can be open and light. I have been finding my Tadasana – a strong Tadasana – and then taking my arms overhead, lengthening

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-36453055070017519982008-04-29T21:33:00.000-05:002008-04-29T21:34:53.649-05:00

As we leave our month of study on Tadasana, I am curious: What does Tadasana mean to you? What is it suppose to represent? This question is not rhetorical, I really would love to know what it is to you and what the intention of the pose is for you.

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-17788257804042585142008-04-29T21:29:00.001-05:002008-04-29T21:32:53.695-05:00

One of my favorite quotes I use frequently when I am teaching comes compliments of Rodney Yee. He used it in his book Yoga: The Poetry of the Body in his discussion on this pose. “There is no such thing as perfect alignment, but there is always a more intimate conversation you can have.” Think of this thought whenever you are in Tadasana. Can you have a more intimate conversation with your

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-81757280386815451822008-04-25T16:14:00.005-05:002008-04-25T16:39:43.627-05:00

I stood in Tadasana for 5 minutes today. At first I was flying. Everything felt light and free. After a minute or so I noticed my body start to "settle". Different muscle groups "kicked in" and then let go as I would lose and restore balance. The longer I stood there, the more I could feel my feet. At first it was just the bottoms and then the feeling crept up to the tops of the feet and then to

@MuseKarennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-10657811352032142242008-04-21T21:08:00.000-05:002008-04-21T21:09:31.056-05:00

(by Laura) To align in the pose is to align with the intention. The intention of this pose is to be strongly grounded at the same time being open to the world, just like a mountain. To fully realize the intention of this pose, you need a balance between being strongly grounded and feeling lifted. The balance is tricky. In studying this pose this month with my students and in my own practice,

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-53521208882144044672008-04-19T22:05:00.003-05:002008-04-19T22:14:59.308-05:00

(Marya) I love the feeling of lifting my toes off the floor when I am standing. It lifts me up yet also causes me to feel grounded at the same time. My inner legs work a little more and help lift me (which I love because I have pronated ankles - my legs, ankles and feet tend to roll inwards and feel like they drop down). When I lift my toes I really feel my feet - all of them. My toes are

Maryanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-61293621488111302402008-04-14T21:15:00.003-05:002008-04-14T21:32:29.866-05:00

For me, Tadasana is a pose of awareness. It has taught me many things On and Off The Mat. When I am On The Mat it is a very centering and grounding pose. It brings me in touch with where my body is at that moment in time.Off The Mat is where I really feel the lesson in this pose. I am very flexible and have a tendency to hyper-extend my knees while standing. I have become aware that when I catch

@MuseKarennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-87083963172916559882008-03-26T22:12:00.004-05:002008-03-26T22:19:04.624-05:00

(by Marya) Last week I taught a class in which we did Sun Salutations and Tadasana in between each one. I spoke of Tadasana and alignment at the beginning of class and also of being Present. With each Tadasana we took a minute to check in with posture and to be aware of where our thoughts were. During that minute I also went around class looking at alignment. There were several people who

Maryanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685183038815796541.post-52627784637345999882008-03-10T12:00:00.001-05:002008-03-10T12:12:06.067-05:00

(by Laura) Last Monday I stood in this spot for 20 minutes in Tadasana (Mountain Pose). It felt glorious! I have never spent so much time in Tadasana in such a spectacular location. I breathed and felt incredibly grounded. This pose continues to teach me...

@MuseLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242543025805548527noreply@blogger.com0