Inspired by one of my students, this page provides a practice for you to do on your own. Enjoy!
Practice for February 25, 2011
Dharma
In last night's class we discussed the doshas or qualities of nature that reside as an aspect of each one of us. Some of us find ourselves more dominated by Pitta (fire), Vatta (water) or Kapha (air). The goal of our practice is balance within ourselves and, therefore, within our doshas. Consider, today, when you find yourself most dominated by each quality of nature. When does fire take over? How can you control it and when does it get our of control? Take the time to close your eyes and experience the quality that is dominant right now. Consider if you feel energized or "fired up," cool, calm and flexible like water or flighty and light like air. Are there any points in your day when all three are in balance?
Practice
Begin in table pose. Find your breathe, your body, become aware of your energy.
-Return to a flat back and stay there for a breath before exhaling into downward dog. Walk your dog, bending one knee and then the other to adjust into the pose. Then hold for three breaths.
-Transition through 4-8 sun salutations using low or high lunge as your variation. Begin with a gentle flow (snake through) before advancing into caturanga dandasana (lowered plank) and urdva mukha svanasana (upward dog).
-Return to and hold downward dog again, for three breaths.
-Transition into Warrior 1 and work on this pose. Hold each side for 5-8 breaths. *Remember to maintain your foot stance at hip-width apart. Work toward parallel with your feet rather than allowing your back foot to rotate out toward perpendicular. Bend through your front knee and press into the earth to bring weight and effort into your back foot. Bring awareness into your hips and shoulders, keeping them facing forward and stacked. http://www.yogajournal.com/media/originals/VirabhadrasanaI_248.jpg
-Vinyasa and find your way to mountain pose (tadasana).
-Transition through 3-5 breaths, diving and bringing your hands to your heart on each inhale and exhale, respectively.
-Add in a balance pose, I suggest either Warrior III or Vrksasana (Tree). Hold the balance for about 5 breaths. Refine it by working from your feet upward.
