Thursday, February 13, 2014

URDHVA DHANURASANA (a backbend)

There are many poses that fall into the category of back bending in yoga.  One that I have struggled with over the years is Urdhva Dhanurasana or wheel pose (think lie on back, place hands and feet, and push belly up towards ceiling).  That's a pretty simplistic description of all that's happening in the pose, but - if you are not a yoga person - it may help.

I realized a few months ago that I avoid doing this pose (and handstand) because I have not been able to do them. Better to not do a pose than become embarrassed by my inability to do a pose, right?  Not sure that that's the way to move forward.  However, it's been my 'go-to' place lately -- don't do it; no problem (or is there?).

Over the years that I have written in this blog, and if you are a long-term reader of the blog, you have heard all this.  Maybe it's getting boring, or at the very least you are losing interest.  Well, here's another sojourn into the world of Leslie's UD (urdhva dhanurasana); and I won't guarantee it will be the last.

I signed up over the holidays to participate in Christina Sell's "Asana Junkies".  FYI, I enjoy anything Christina does -- such a smart yoga teacher and person.  Christina began this on-line practice work about a year ago.  Every 5-6 weeks, she's begun a new session.  The one I've been participating in focuses on backbends, and each week for 5 weeks, we've gotten:

  1. Videos of 2 90-minute general sequences (one level 1, the other level 2-3)
  2. Lecture
  3. Strengthening and opening sequences for shoulders, upper back, legs
  4. Snippets of video tips (this is available on her website all the time)
  5. Encouragement
  6. Connection to other practice participants through a Facebook page
I just finished the week 5 overview, which included some work to add to the general sequence, and video tips on how to make UD better and bigger.  

Have I been doing the work?  Yes.  Of the many online programs I've participated in, Christina's was the first - I took her first Mentoring Course.   I remember sitting in our family room in Salt Lake each week and waiting patiently for the computer to download the mentoring video.  Then I would watch and listen, taking copious notes.  EVERY WEEK FOR 12 SESSIONS.  I have to say, it was great.  And, one of the best parts is that I did do the work, I did sit down EVERY week, watch and write what I was being taught, AND incorporated it into my practice and teaching.  

So, when this session of Asana Junkies appeared, with the emphasis on improving backbends, I knew I wanted to do it and I knew I would do the work (history, my friends).  

The result:  I have been doing the work -- practicing the sequence and added strength/opening work.  Taking notes from the lecture and storing them for future reference.  I've even added some of the work to my teaching, much to the enjoyment of students.

Yesterday, in Wisdom Warriors, Geri Portnoy (who is filling in for Desiree while she is in Australia/New Zealand) asked us what we'd like to work on.  Everyone was silent, so I jumped in with a request for strength work towards UD.  Might as well do a little 'extra credit' work. 

Geri crafted a great 120-minute practice, on a moment's notice (impressive!). Emphasis was on strength and opening.  And, not just strength in arms, but she included shoulders, upper back, and legs.  Loved it.  Then came the moment of truth -- UD at the wall, using blocks to help us.  I'd love to be able to write that I placed my hands and pushed up.  I can't.  I can write that I placed my hands, pushed up some, Geri stepped in to help, and up I went -- 3 times.  The 3rd felt stronger and more controlled.  Plug in more was her advice when we finished, since her opinion is that I have the strength, just need to get my shoulders more over my wrists.  

So, there you have it -- my work over the past weeks.  The great byproduct of all this?  More open in shoulders, feeling stronger, feeling like there is hope!  

Now, on with the day.  Thursdays I teach 2 classes in Temecula; one at Living Yoga, then another at Yoga For Life.  

Hope your Thursday is a great one; and, Happy Valentine's Day !!!