Posts Tagged ‘Padangusthasana Dhanurasana’

Kapinjalasana (Partridge Pose)

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011

Kapinjalasana (Partridge Pose) registers as 43* on BKS Iyengar’s 60* scale of difficulty in Light on Yoga.

BKS Iyengar states that Kapinjalasana “is a difficult [pose] to master” since it combines Vasisthasana with Padangusthasana Dhanurasana.

With the guidance of one of my teachers, Amy Ippoliti, I’m slowly beginning to explore this pose. Kapinjalasana requires incredible strength to support yourself in Vasisthasana on one side, and incredible flexibility to open into the backbend on the other side.

I would offer you an explanation of how to work on the pose, but honestly, I think a video is far more helpful so you can see each piece of the puzzle coming together. The incredible Cristina Sell offers a gorgeous demonstration of Kapinjalasana here.

As you’ll see, I’m still working on drawing my elbow up to the sky. Every now and then, I get it! Today, it didn’t quite materialize. But, that’s the beauty of this practice. There’s always another chance tomorrow.

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Gherandasana II (Pose Dedicated to the Sage, Gheranda, II)

Tuesday, May 17th, 2011

Gherandasana II (Pose Dedicated to the Sage, Gheranda, II) registers as 46* on BKS Iyengar’s 60* scale of difficulty in Light on Yoga.

As if Gherandasana I wasn’t mind-boggling enough, Gherandasana II takes it one step further. One side of your body is in Padangusthasana Dhanurasana while the other side is in Baddha Padmasana.

Your first question might be, “How on earth do you begin to get into this pose?!” A fair question, indeed! Start in a seated position and bring your right leg into Padmasana. Then, lie on your back and roll over onto your belly. Now reach back with your right arm for your right toes. Then, bend your left knee and grab your left foot. If Padangusthasana Dhanurasana is in your practice, you’ll rotate your left elbow so that it’s facing outward. If you’re more comfortable in Dhanurasana, take the typical Dhanurasana hand placement.

Be careful working on this pose! Only when you feel comfortable in Baddha Padmasana with your belly on the floor should you begin taking the next step into the backbend. And, then, of course, honor your edge exploring the Padangusthasana Dhanurasana side. This pose is complex and advanced, so exercise your best judgment!

Any other yogis out there that have tried this pose and have tips to offer?

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Gherandasana I (Pose Dedicated to the Sage, Gheranda, I)

Monday, May 16th, 2011

Gherandasana I (Pose Dedicated to the Sage, Gheranda, I) registers as 44* on BKS Iyengar’s 60* scale of difficulty in Light on Yoga.

Gherandasana I combines aspects of Bhekasana and Padangusthasana Dhanurasana into one pose. One side of your body is in Bhekasana while the other side is in Padangusthasana Dhanurasana.

I’ve come to the point in this project to blog about all the poses in Light on Yoga where I am consistently baffled by the possibility of the poses. While I can do Bhekasana, Padangusthasana Dhanurasana is still far out of reach. So, for now, I explore a much less intense variation on the pose.

Part of a dedicated yoga practice is learning to modify poses to fit the unique needs of your body, mind and soul. I embrace this portion of my project as it invites me to listen in to what my body needs and how I can celebrate the pose from my own perspective.

Take a moment today to honor your unique needs – on or off your mat. Listen in to what you truly need and allow space for it to exist.

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Posted in Gherandasana I | 3 Comments »

Padangustha Dhanurasana (Intensified Bow Pose)

Sunday, May 15th, 2011

Padangusthasana Dhanurasana (Intensified Bow Pose) registers as 43* on BKS Iyengar’s 60* scale of difficulty in Light on Yoga.

Padangusthasana Dhanurasana is a more intense version of Dhanurasana. Personally, I’m a long way away from mastering this pose! Notice how BKS Iyengar’s version has his elbows facing out (rathern than the eyes of the elbows, like me). In the full version if Padangusthasana Dhanurasana, you clasp each foot as if you were taking Eka Pada Rajakapotasana I on both sides of the body at the same time. Then, you extend your arms and legs as straight as possible. Once you can comfortably clasp both feet behind you at the same time in this particular manner, begin exploring Padangusthasana Dhanurasana. Until then, focus on Dhanurasana. You’ll get many of the same great benefits of the backbend, minus the complexity!

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