Viparita Chakrasana in Urdhva Dhanurasana registers as 26* on BKS Iyengar’s 60* of difficulty.
In this playful variation on Urdhva Dhanurasana, you begin in a forward fold, then flip your legs over your head into Wheel Pose, then flip your legs back over your head into handstand and end back in a forward fold. Say what?!
BKS Iyengar points out that this Wheel Pose variation is for advanced practitioners and that most people “can only learn to do it with the aid of a competent teacher.” No doubt! I’ve only explored this once, with the guidance of both my teacher, Amy Ippoliti, and the assistance of two yoginis who spotted me in my handstands and helped facilitate the initial flip from one pose into the next. The experience was awesome and was such a great example of how the support of friends can inspire amazing moments of laughter and discovery on your mat. At the end of the practice that day, we were all giggling and glowing with pride in our ability to hold each other and ourselves up!
The support of an experienced teacher and encouraging friends cannot be underestimated in a yoga practice. It’s all too easy sometimes for us to feel alone on our mats – especially if your home practice comprises most of your mat time. But it’s important to recognize that, even when we’re practicing alone, we’re connected. We’re connected to hundreds of thousands of other yogi(ni)s pursuing this path with passion and curiosity. We’re connected by the way our practice impacts those around us and the world at large. We’re connected by a growing mindfulness that arises from consistent practice. No matter where we are on our mats, we’re never alone.
How has being a part of a yoga community (offline or online!) changed your practice and your perspective?
