The hardest part of flying is not being afraid to fall.
I'm sure someone else wrote that before me, but I like it and I couldn't find it as a quote so I'm using it. I'll give credit when/if I find out who wrote that first.
So today in class, while doing forward fold, I realized that I was able to use the block while it was lower to the floor, at the middle setting. This seems like a small thing, but I realized that it was pretty rare to have incontrovertible proof that you are getting better at yoga. This fairly random small bit of gratification made me think about something which seems to relate equally to life and to yoga.
You have to be willing to try new things to improve. Maybe it's doing one of the optional parts of a pose. Maybe it's not being afraid to use a prop less, or even more. Maybe you'll surprise yourself.
Namaste,
Matt Blank
Monday, July 26, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Props to props
The first and most important thing about props is to understand the purpose of them. They are there to help you in your practice.
While that seems really simple, it's a very loaded statement. I don't think there is any "right" way to use the props that works for everyone. In many ways, using a prop is actually harder then not using a prop, because it's just one more thing that you need to deal with, externally. What worked for me was to take a step back and look at what areas and what kinds of poses I had trouble with, and then figure out a way for me to use props to help with that.
Each of the props have a couple general types of use:
The strap is used to extend your reach, usually while seated.
The most common use is to help pull yourself into a seated forward fold while keeping your back straight.
I've also seen Jessie use it in a basics class to help with chaturanga in a very interesting way; you create a sort of hammock with it around your shoulders and it supports you through the pose.
The blanket is used to support, cushion and lightly lift.
I usually see people sitting on it for a lot of seated poses. It is also used to cushion knees neck and hips, depending on the pose. Finally, for some poses it can be used to bring the floor closer, but not as close as a block would.
The blocks are used to extend your reach, lift and support.
Most commonly, they are used in standing poses to help reach the floor. They are also sat on to bring your hips in line with your knees, and in supported bridge. They are also my favorite prop.
It's hard to prescribe prop use to someone, I think you typically have to just use it and figure out how it works for you. A lot of it is simply knowing the intent of the pose and where you need help with it, and not being afraid to take the extra second to position your prop and yourself with your prop. If you would like a specific suggestion please either comment here or ask me at class, if you don't know who I am just ask one of the instructors, I think they all know me at this point.
One specific I do want to mention, is because I have shortish arms (like a T-Rex, thankyouverymuch) so most of the poses that involve hands reaching towards the ground or towards feet are challenging for me. As a result, I am almost always using blocks. I've found it incredibly helpful for my downward facing dog to use blocks under my hands; it helps my grip not slip and it's just more comfortable for me and I can hold the pose longer with less stress on my arms and wrists. It helps me push more of the weight into my legs.
Namaste,
Matt Blank
While that seems really simple, it's a very loaded statement. I don't think there is any "right" way to use the props that works for everyone. In many ways, using a prop is actually harder then not using a prop, because it's just one more thing that you need to deal with, externally. What worked for me was to take a step back and look at what areas and what kinds of poses I had trouble with, and then figure out a way for me to use props to help with that.
Each of the props have a couple general types of use:
The strap is used to extend your reach, usually while seated.
The most common use is to help pull yourself into a seated forward fold while keeping your back straight.
I've also seen Jessie use it in a basics class to help with chaturanga in a very interesting way; you create a sort of hammock with it around your shoulders and it supports you through the pose.
The blanket is used to support, cushion and lightly lift.
I usually see people sitting on it for a lot of seated poses. It is also used to cushion knees neck and hips, depending on the pose. Finally, for some poses it can be used to bring the floor closer, but not as close as a block would.
The blocks are used to extend your reach, lift and support.
Most commonly, they are used in standing poses to help reach the floor. They are also sat on to bring your hips in line with your knees, and in supported bridge. They are also my favorite prop.
It's hard to prescribe prop use to someone, I think you typically have to just use it and figure out how it works for you. A lot of it is simply knowing the intent of the pose and where you need help with it, and not being afraid to take the extra second to position your prop and yourself with your prop. If you would like a specific suggestion please either comment here or ask me at class, if you don't know who I am just ask one of the instructors, I think they all know me at this point.
One specific I do want to mention, is because I have shortish arms (like a T-Rex, thankyouverymuch) so most of the poses that involve hands reaching towards the ground or towards feet are challenging for me. As a result, I am almost always using blocks. I've found it incredibly helpful for my downward facing dog to use blocks under my hands; it helps my grip not slip and it's just more comfortable for me and I can hold the pose longer with less stress on my arms and wrists. It helps me push more of the weight into my legs.
Namaste,
Matt Blank
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)