Why do we use props in yoga?

There is nothing sexy about using props. When I teach at a local healthclub, I get dirty looks when I bring in a large bin of straps and blocks. Many of the students are used to "flow yoga" going in and out of poses held for one or two seconds as the enlightened teacher plays the latest Enya hits on the CD player. It sounds like a great new age experience being unfettered by straps and blocks and chairs. There is only one problem--most people in the flowy classes end up like the lady on the left.

To the untrained eye, she looks like she is doing a good pose. Notice how her chest is facing the floor at the expense of getting her hand on the floor. Look now at the student using the chair. He is humbled, but has a much more open and vibrant posture. His kneecaps are lifted, his chest is open. His hips are in the same line. Blur your eyes and notice the 2 postures with your peripheral vision. He now looks 20 years younger than her.

The moral of the story: props will help you do asana the way they are supposed to be done. When asanas are done the proper way, you get all the benefits. When you don't do asanas the right way, you can hurt yourself.

Peace Within,

Yogiromero

Yoga Anatomy, Know Your Psoas

The psoas (so-azz) muscle is vital to most asanas. It is a deep muscle which connects your lower back to your thighs. It actually runs through your abdomen. This allows it to lift your legs when you are walking up the stairs. The psoas is so deep you cannot feel if you are flexing it with your hands like you can when you are flexing your quadricept (front thigh).

One asana that utilizes this muscle quite assertively is Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana seen in the upper left icon. Legs are heavy! And anyone who has done this posture for more than 30 seconds will quickly know why strength in the psoas is vital for progressing to more advanced postures.

Peace Within,

Yogiromero

Sutras on Asana

One of the aspects of yoga taught by BKS Iyengar that I truly appreciate is his attention to scholarship. Deep study into the Patanjali Yoga Sutras will reveal many of the secrets behind this practice. Here are the sutras that refer to asana:

I.33 maitrikarunamuditopeksnam sukhaduhkhapunyapunya visayanam bhavanatascittaprasadanam

The effort begins in cultivating consciousness so as to become favorably disposed, serene and benevolent through cultivation of friendliness, compassion, gladness and indifference respectively, towards joy and sorrow, as well as virute and vice.

II. 46 sthirasukhamasanam

Perfection in asana brings firmness in body and benevolence in mind.

II.47 prayatnasaithilyanantasamapattibhyam

When the effort to perform becomes effortless, perfection in asana is acheived.

II.48 tato dvandvanabhighatah

From then on, the practitioner is undisturbed by dualities and is fit to begin pranayama.

III.47 rupalavanyabalavajrasamhananatvani kayasampat

The practitioner acquires unsurpassed beauty, grace, strength, and lustre

It is best to not only learn the meanings of the sutras, but to try to repeat the sanskrit as it was written to be recited.

Peace Within,

Yogiromero

Kofi is coming to town!

Kofi Busia, longtime student of BKS Iyengar, is coming back to the islands in March. He is not like any teacher I have studied with. An Oxford graduate, Kofi has a deep literary flare in how he describes the asanas. Here is a picture from his workshop last March at the East Honolulu Yoga Center in Hawaii Kai. That's me getting an adjustment from Kofi in pachimottonasana next to my good friend and fellow yogini Arlene.

Ardha Chandrasana

Yesterday, my wife and I shot this demo video of half moon pose. This is the supported variation I used with a tree. I find that nature provides many useful yoga props, and yoga done in nature looks aesthetically pleasing. The classic variation of ardha chandrasana is approched through utthita trikonasana, triangle pose. Perhaps that will be my next video project.

Peace Within,

Yogiromero

Abaya

Abaya means freedom from fear. In these difficult economic times there is a great deal of fear. Driving down Honolulu streets, I see every other business closing down. It is time to go within and not get sucked into the herd mentality. Continue your yoga practice daily and true wealth will come to you.

Peace Within,

Yogiromero

Here is a picture of Mr. Iyengar not too far from where this video was shot on the Windward side of O'ahu. The picture was taken by long time practitioner Penny Sing, who was fortunate enough to provide accommodations for him. I feel special that he has visited the islands to teach many of my teachers.

Welcome to Hawaii Iyengar Practice Blog!

This blog is to keep you posted on trends in Iyengar yoga in Hawaii. All yoga practitioners are welcome to chime in and share insights into their practice. This month marks my 10 year anniversary of practicing yoga. To celebrate, I will post a sequence that you can try at home that can take anywhere from 1.5 hours to 2 depending on how deeply you want to work the asanas.

1) Tadasana
2) Urdvha Hastasana
3) Urdvha Baddaguliyasana
4) Pachima Baddahastasana
5) Gomukhasana
6) Pachimanamaskarasana
7) Parsvotanasana
8) Adho Mukha Svanasana
9) Uttanasana
10) Adho Mukha Vrksasana x3
11) Pincha Murayasana x3
12) Paryankasana
13) Supta Virasana
14) Adho Mukha Virasana
15) Virasana
16) Parvatasana
17) Baradvajasana I
18) Baradvajasana II
19) Triang Mukha Patchimotonasana
20) Krounchasana
21) Wide Adho Mukha Svanasana
22) Salamba Sirsana
23) Salaba Sarvangasana w/ variations
24) Viparita Karani


To learn more about the aforementioned asanas, consult Light On Yoga by BKS Iyengar. As this sequnce utilizes many knee postures, please be careful if you have injuries or have not attempted the asanas.

Peace within,

Yogiromero