Another day of practice on the terrace. Today's bird sightings included the Grey Hornbill (he's been visiting regularly, but it was only today I was able to put a name to the face) and a Purple-rumped Sunbird. Class this evening was Raya and there was no messing around - first pose was Sirasasana plus variations, dropping back to Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana for those that could. Of course if that was the opener, it was likely that we were going to progress to some pretty challenging asana and indeed we did - Pinca Mayurasana, Open-palm Sirsasana and AMVrkasana all dropping back in the centre of the room. My palms sweat just watching someone else do these poses and I couldn't help but be humbled by his quite raw, newly-intermediate students who were game to get up there and give them a go. It strengthened my resolve to get a practice buddy to get more familiar with the full range of drop backs, as I'm practicing them maximum once every two years when I come to Pune and Raya teaches them!
January 23rd 2025 – Raya Drop Backs
Sirsasana – Think about what you need in the pose. Make it a natural pose – not a casual pose – they are not the same. Treat it like a friend - if you know someone well you don't beat around the bush, you can get straight to the point.
Parsva Sirsasana - Natural Pose.
Parivrrta Eka Pada Sirsasana.
Sirsasana dropping back to Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana.
AMVrksasana at wall.
Pinca Mayurasana at wall plus different arm positions – Palms down, palms facing, palms facing ceiling.
Pinca Mayurasana in centre.
Pinca Mayurasana in centre with rolled or folded sticky mat under elbows.
AMVrksasana in centre.
Pinca Mayurasana in centre different arm positions.
Pinca Mayurasana drop backs in centre (not with elbows up on the rolled sticky for drop backs).
Pinca Mayurasana palms on the bolster (do not drop back in this position).
Open palms Sirsasana drop backs then pushing up into Urdhva Dhanurasana.
AMVrksasana dropping back into Urdhva Dhanurasana - Figure out when is the best time to bend your legs.
AMSvanasana / Bharadvajasana 1
Sarvangasana
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