Menna Olvera-Feder
Difficult Aspect of My Practice
“Sitting in it” I need to be ok with the not knowing and be willing to explore a pose that is not available to me because I have never done it before. Instead of running to a sequence that is familiar or moving to another pose because it’s easier if I am able to "sit" with it the body can surrender to the newness of it and embody how it unfolds the trifecta of space within body, calmness of the mind and ease of the breath.
When you add the word teacher to your being the practice requires you to show up to be your own teacher on the mat to “sit with it.” How else can you possibly begin to teach another with out the experience of it?
Summon up the courage and try this pose that I had no idea how to get into but was willing to sit with it and figure out the process. We will uncover a treasure while we bare witness to the asana as it reveals it’s authentic self.
Sequence for Level 1
1. Half Happy Baby –
Knee is as high up the arm as possible and the forearm is under the calf holding on to the outer heel of bent knee.
2. Supta Prasarita Padottanasana
Strap wrapped around feet
3. Vishnuasana –
Top leg is bent into half happy baby on the side. Get thigh as high up the arm as possible. Straighten top leg any amount and release hand with flexed wrist while maintaining arm/leg connection.
4. Modified Vasisthasana –
Bottom hand and top leg/foot push into the ground firmly and bottom knee is light pressure.
5. Anjaneyasana
Place the front arm under the front leg and place hand to the outside of the front foot. If possible lift the back knee off the ground.
6. Marichyasana 1
7. Trikonasana
8. Parsvokanasana
Place the front arm under the front leg and place hand to the outside of the front foot.
Top arm reaches up. Full bind is an option
9. Adrha Chandrasana
10. Vasisthasana
Can be modified
11. Modified Visvamitrasana – Bottom arm is bent and front foot is on the ground but reaching forward with a lifted heel (lift leg if possible), back leg is strong with outer edge pressed down. Top arm can be either 1) on hip 2) reaching up or 3) laying along top side body
12. Constructive rest
13. Savasana
Wow. What a sequence! Recently, I've taken on the responsibility to help my elderly parents who live in a small town. I've had to spend challenging hours with them both individually, and believe me, I've had "to sit with it". This is a very profound subject, and I really appreciate your talk and sequence. It applies to my circumstances now. Nice! --Denise
ReplyDeleteThank you Menna. You have a really nice approach to using the concept of Teacher and applying it to yourself. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteHow important it is to just sit with things, not only on the mat but in life. We are so programmed to react and respond as soon as we are confronted with something without taking pause to really experience it, whether it's good or bad. Thank you for the lovely reminder to just be!
ReplyDeleteI totally relate, preferring to sit with the familiar the comfortable, reacting in life to things that I did not plan...
ReplyDeleteThank you for encouraging me to sit rather than stand in the role of teacher. I like the metaphor. Implies we are all practicing together. It suggests a certain trust in the process and in the present, rather than the need to direct and control it. Reminds me to be quiet and listen. So hard for me, but so important for our students. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteNice!
ReplyDeletegood talk and sequence. need to set the sacrum with mild symmetrical backbends after such deep twists. also, would suggest repetition of each pose before maha.
ReplyDeleteSitting with things shows me how things unravel as they should. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reminder to sit in it. This applies nicely to my life currently. Lovely sequence.
ReplyDeletemy brother said to me today "yoga is being comfortable in an uncomfortable situation... you have to learn to sit with your discomfort" I think this is what he was talking about. thanks for that reminder yet again today.
ReplyDelete