Yoga Journal Sequences

I took all of my yoga journal magazines and put all of the sequences into one notebook. They are my favorite part of the magazine. They always give me great ideas for classes AND amazing descriptions for each pose.

Tadasana

From Light on Yoga:

1. Tadasana (also called Samashiti) One

Tada means a mountain. Sama means upright, straight, unmoved. Sthiti is standing still, steadiness. Tadasana therefore implies a pose where one stands firm and erect as a mountain. This is the basic standing pose.

 

(in the book he is actually standing with the palms facing his thighs, feet together, head straight forward)
Technique
1. Stand erect with the feet together, the heels and big toes touching each other. Rest the heads of metatarsals on the floor and stretch all toes flat on the floor.
2.Tighten the knees and pull the knee-caps up, contract the hips and pull up the muscles at the back of the thighs.
3.Keep the stomach in, chest forward, spine stretched up and the neck straight.
4. Do not bear the weight of the body either on the heels or the toes,  but distribute it evenly on them both.
5. Ideally in Tadasana the arms are stretched out over the head, but for the sake of convenienve, one can place them by the side of the thighs.

Effects
People do not pay attention to the correct method of standing. Some stand with the body weight thrown only on one leg, or with one leg turned completely sideways. Others bear all the weight on the heels, or on the inner or outer edges of the feet. This can be noticed by watching where the soles and heels of the shoes wear out. Owing to our faulty method of standing and not distributing the body weight evenly on the feet, we acquire specific deformities which hamper spinal elasticity. Even if the feet are kept apart, it is better to keep the heel and toe in a line parallel to the median plane and not at an angle. By this method, the hips are contracted, the abdomen is pulled in and the chest is brought forward. One feels light in body and the mind acquires agility. If we stand with the body weight thrown only on the heels, we feel the gravity changing; the hips become loose, the abdomen protrudes, the body hangs back and the spine feels the strain and consequently we soon feel fatigued and the mind becomes dull. It is therefore essential to master the art of standing correctly.

-BKS IYENGAR

Moon Salutations

Sun salutations are cool and all but don't forgt about moon salutations. These are great for that special time of the month when a lady has to avoid inversions ;)

Moon salutations are also just great for stress relief in general. That moon energy will help sink your awareness deep into the hips.

I love to do these with my classes on a full moon!

Pets n Yoga

Pets are hilarious, especially when their human is trying to find some zen.

Inversions

Headstand is my favorite asana. Salamba Sirasana is a magical place where you get to experience an upside down world. The ground is the sky, the sky is the ground, and your poor little feet get to swap places with your brain for a few short ethereal moments.
Handstand is the next inversion I'd like to conquer. This article by David Keil is pretty insightful... http://www.yoganatomy.com/2011/06/so-you-wanna-do-a-handstand/

The Promise

I know this title is a lil' funky but this book completely changed my personal practice and my teaching style. I recommend it to all!