Notes on practice

Here are some photos taken at a private group session at the weekend. I have annotated  them with some thoughts and comments on the poses.

Parsvottanasana Intense side stretch pose

A strong pose. Lengthens the spine, strengthens the legs, opens the shoulders. It may be more appropriate to hold the elbows rather than inverting the hands in prayer pose.

Maintain and establish a steady base by balancing bodyweight between the left and right legs before exhaling forwards.

Explore balance: if the legs wobble, raise the body up.

Keep attention in the upper arms inviting the shoulder blades to move closer together.

Janu sirsasana head to knee pose

Notice the range of flexibility within the group. It is important to watch the mind and not strain and stress the spine by forcing the head down. Maintain aliveness in the straight leg and keep the foot alert, opening the back of the knee and elongating the hamstrings.

Shashankasana Hare pose

Wonderfully restorative. Allow the shoulders to drop and relax. Spread and soften the hands. Exhale fully out of the back ribs. Maintain vigilence and alertness while surrendering deeply.

Makrasana Crocodile pose

A great way to pause and soften the back of the body before investigating back bends. The forehead rests on interlaced fingers allowing the back of the neck and upper spine to lengthen. Big toes touching cause an outward rotation of the hip bones; freeing the sacrum and releasing the tail bone.

Supta matsyendrasana Supine spinal twist

Magnificent lumbar twist. Delivers double benefit: A relaxation response as the body receives full support from the ground. All twists are energising and here the breath can flow freely into the side ribs.

Be free with the arms. Take your gaze to the fingers of the outstretched hand, keep the face soft, maintain presence.

Venue: Yelverton Barn,  Meare Court Farm, Wrantage nr Taunton, Somerset

To arrange a group yoga session at this venue, visit www.somersetspa.co.uk or call Liz on 01823 480570

For other locations contact me directly.