Category: Practice Sequences

  • Yoga Asana Practice Sequences meet WordPress & HTML

    I’ve been gradually looking for better ways to display and communicate asana and practice sequences: It started with some basic hand drawings which were clumsy because I had to use a marker instead of a fine pen to get a result that would scan and display properly on screen. I’ve described some asana in depth…

  • Pratikriyasana: Counter Postures

    Physical postures used in asana practices usually involve placing the body in unusual (compared to the day-to-day demands) positions. Though much attention is placed on the physical aspects, asana and practice sequences can (be designed) to have physical, mental, emotional and energetic effects. Counter postures are in some ways “resting postures” – they are practiced…

  • Subtly Not Present

    I felt that my obvious lack of presence in making coffee yesterday morning was a great preparation fot this post. On-the-mat, wondering presence can be more subtle and bringing attention to it a rewarding practice. I recently “caught” myself being not present in a very subtle way during a sequence of back-bends – and I…

  • A Refreshing Breathing Practice

    It is common knowledge that taking a deep breath is relaxing – how about taking a few deep breaths? For this practice you will need a place to sit, a few quiet minutes and familiarity with Ujjayi breathing: Find your quiet place and a comfortable seated position with your eyes closed. Sit quietly for a…

  • Alchemy of Breathing in Asana

    This post will describe an experiment that will enable you to experience the workings of the fire within. To proceed with the experiment effectively you should be: Comfortable using Ujjayi breathing in your Asana practice. Comfortable with the basic relationship between breath and movement. Familiar with the length of your breath and how it applies…

  • Movement after Meditation

    Yoga asana (physical postures) practices are very helpful in preparing the body for seated meditations in which the body is usually placed in an unnatural static position in which legs are folded to form a base and the back is held erect. Regardless of preparation, static sitting places certain stresses on the body. Such stresses,…

  • A Yoga Sequence for Everyone

    The following images/animations depict a short sequence anyone can do. Repeat each posture 4 times – which should take a few minutes (over time you may want to increase this to 6 or even 8 repetitions of each posture). The postures are accessible and yet each one has much depth to explore. It is a…