Yoga in Public – my little sequence…

Today, I am sharing with you a little sequence of my Yoga in Public practice.

1. Sirsasana – Headstand with leg variations
2. Paschimottanasana – Seated Forward Bend
3. Purvottanasana – Inclined Plane Pose

Spring is in the air and it is lovely to be outside near the Thames River in Greenwich, London near the Prime Meridian.

To 1. HEADSTAND An asana in which you balance on your elbows, arms, and head – (the name “headstand” is misleading, it should be named forearm stand really …) Known as the “King of the Asanas” because of its remarkable benefits, the Headstand is the first of the 12 asanas and is excellent for improving concentration, increasing memory, and transforming libido into a powerful life force. Also, people who practice Sirsasana regularly tend to have slower rates of respiration and heart rate. To the surprise of many first-time students, this pose does not require any special strength or flexibility; all it takes is practice and going step-by-step. Even so, you may wish to begin by undertaking the Dolphin, progressing to the full Headstand over time.

To 2. THE FORWARD BEND looks, and is, simple – provided we relax into the position, rather than forcing ourselves into it. In a world where exertion is often rewarded, this pose is one of the most powerful and important asanas in teaching us the benefits of working with life as it is. This pose can be very meditative. It encourages conscious letting go by allowing gravity to pull the spine into the pose. As an added bonus, regular practice of Pascimothanasana also helps to counter the typical postural problems developed working a desk job by keeping the spine supple, the joints mobile, the internal organs toned, and the nervous system invigorated.

To 3. THE INCLINED PLANE is the counterpose of the Forward Bend. It complements the forward stretch that your body is given in the previous pose, and increase the strength and flexibility of your arms. In this asana, your hips are pushed upward, and your body is held straight and balanced on your hands and feet. From the starting position, sitting with the hands flat on the floor behind the hips, with the fingers pointing back, let your head drop back. Next, inhale as you raise your hips. Hold the pose for about 10 seconds. Lower your body, then relax your hands by shaking your wrists.

Remember, you do not need to buy yoga pants if you are a beginner, start with comfortable clothes and follow my lessons. You can use any yoga wheel, which is sturdy enough to hold your weight. You can lay a yoga mat underneath. Do not cheat and remove any yoga blocks or other yoga props from the area you are practising.

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