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| Shoulderstand with props (not me!) |
Today I did what I consider to be two rather difficult yoga poses, the first being the shoulder stand. When I started this yoga journey a little more than a year ago, I was convinced that I would never again be able to do this pose, one that was easy for me when I was a young woman practicing yoga. At another yoga studio, when I first began to look for the right one for me, I attempted this in class with the yoga teacher. There were no props, however, and I figured I wouldn't ever be able to do it. But Iyengar Yoga teaches you how to modify poses using different tools, such as blankets and straps.
The blankets change the angle between my neck and shoulders, making it possible to get up there without too much difficulty, and the strap is to keep my elbows from turning out as I support my back to lift my legs. And you can see that in this version, she used a chair to help out as well. Today I did a fine supported shoulder stand, and was quite pleased with myself, since I was able to hold the pose for a few breaths.
Then we did the Crazy Dog, which I first tried several months ago, and I didn't think I would ever be able to do it. However, after many attempts with several different teachers, today I was able to get into the pose and even raise one leg at a time once I got there. This is not me, but from the Internet. I might not have looked quite as spiffy, but the teacher was happy with my alignment.
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| Not so hard once you learn the tricks |
Every yoga student knows about Downward Facing Dog, it's a standard of all hatha yoga practices. But learning how to do on a wall like this takes some doing: you need to learn where to look and have decent arm strength as well. Today I did it! Pardon me for bragging, I know I have so much to learn yet, and balancing postures are really hard for me. But I'm in the process. I just signed up today for my fifth semester of yoga at
Yoga Northwest! Maybe by the time summer gets here I'll be able to do the Warrior III pose (a balancing one) without falling.
:-)
Great job. You look wonderful in the first photo.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marie, but it's not me. Could be, though! :-)
DeleteWonderful. Brag to your heart's content. You deserve it.
ReplyDeleteImpressive. I couldn't do that even when I was young.
ReplyDeleteYou have every right to brag. That's great that you can do those poses. Keep it up and keep doing this for as long as possible.
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed. I wish more people would participate in yoga. I think it does great good for seniors.
ReplyDeleteWay to go :)
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed too, good job!
ReplyDeleteWow! This inspires me to work on my flexibility and strength :-)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh...I used to be able to do these maneuvers, like 30 years ago! Not now.
ReplyDeleteYou are a marvel.
Is that first picture really you!?
ReplyDeleteNo, it's not. I will find someone to take a picture of ME in that pose, though. Soon. :-)
DeleteI couldn't have done these when I was young--LOL! Kudos!! :)
ReplyDeleteGood for you for doing a shoulder stand! I do yoga 1-2 times a week and don't think I could do that pose yet.
ReplyDeleteHoly Moly, you rock gal. That is a far cry from the yoga I did years ago. Love your determination.
ReplyDeleteInteresting poses. If it helps you, then go for it.
ReplyDeleteThe shoulder stand is difficult and you look great doing it!
ReplyDeleteNot me, Trish. I'll try to get a picture of myself doing it, though. :-)
DeleteI used to do that shoulder stand when I was young. I wonder if I can still do it? I'm off to try....
ReplyDeletewell done you for taking such care of yourself.
Ummmm.... Oh my gosh! I really don't think I could ever do that. You are darn amazing!!!
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