In Module 2.4, Douglass shows how to develop our Drishti, or single-pointed focus in our yoga practice to cultivate embodied awareness in yoga postures.
Each of the poses conspire against us to knock us off our center. Our aim is to return to center again and again, as efficiently as possible. In this practice for beginners, you’ll discover three different ways to practice Tree Pose and get relaxed about wobbling your way to balance and grace. The key is … Continued
Warrior poses demand endurance, confidence, and vigor. This practice begins gently and builds awareness in the legs and hips that directly affects the lower back. Learn a trick to feel your thighs “engage.” A few strong standing poses and a strengthening backbend challenge your flexibility and strength. Finally, build yourself a bolster for your knees to … Continued
This class uses classic and not so classic yoga poses to strengthen the hips in all its directions of movement. By emphasizing the strengtening aspects of what can otherwise be another passive yoga stretch, we are more able to prevent common yoga injuries. It will leave your hips (and body) feeling balanced. Props needed include … Continued
Using an array of props to emphasize various aspects of the pose, this class breaks down the foundational pose, High Lunge. Once we gain understanding and awareness of its different parts, we piece them back together for an integrated and informative High Lunge, as well as connect it to other poses that benefit from this … Continued
This 20-minute class can be used as a brief standalone practice or as a warm-up to prepare for whatever poses you are interested in practicing. The parctice strengthens and opens the shoulders, strengthens the quads and hamstrings and back body, stretches the hamstrings and mobilizes the mid-upper back.
Discover your new best teacher: the wall! The wall can bring newfound alignment into old yoga postures and help you find better balance. The wall doesn’t lie: it clarifies what angles your body should be at and where your weight should be. In addition, it offers support when you explore challenging inversions or balance poses. … Continued
Pattabhi Jois noted that a full practice, up to 90 minutes or more, is sometimes not possible amongst the duties of daily life. His MDR, Minimum Daily Requirement, includes Suryanamskara A and B, 3 times each, and the final 3 seated postures. Get your heart rate up, sit and breath, take rest- and you’re done! … Continued
Move the energy, warm the body, and open the hips and hamstrings safely by practicing sun salutations, complete standing sequence, and the final 3 seated postures. It is recommended to practice standing sequence until all asanas can be performed without discomfort in the low back or knees, before trying any of the forward bends in … Continued
The 41 asanas of the primary series are a sequence designed to improve strength and flexibility, and to purify the blood and digestive organs. That’s a lot of postures, and traditionally, they are learned one-by-one. In this way, the next posture is not attempted until the student can perform the previous asana, maintaining rhythmic breathing. … Continued
This quick, rhythmic practice takes you through sun salutations, standing sequence, the first half of the primary series linked by vinyasa, backbending, 3 seated postures, and rest. Traditional and modified versions of the Marichasana sequence are detailed. Grow a comfortable “Beginning Primary” practice before attempting half primary.
This practice will emphasize the flowing rhythm of Ashtanga, and will touch on each section of the full practice: standing, seated, finishing. Emphasizing simple postures and unbroken vinyasa. This is a great practice to catch the rhythm, warmth, and core engagement of ashtanga on days when you have a little less time.