If you are already established with using momentum to kick up into pincha mayurasana, or forearm stand, here’s how to take your practice to the next level. If you aren’t quite there, fear not! This video is still for you. You can incorporate this information into your practice down the road. Vision is an essential component of the asana (postural) practice.
On the yoga mat, we always want to diminish the amount of momentum used to move the body around and replace it with slower, smoother, and more controlled lifting supported from the core (a mild engagement of uddiyana bandha, or the abdominal lock). This holds particularly true to inversions such as handstand and forearm stand.
In the beginning, we need to kick a lot to get into these poses, usually with the support of a wall. Over time, however, we can learn to kick less and lift more. Doing so is also much gentler on the body.
I hope this video helps explain how to more adequately lift up in forearm stand.
Just a reminder: Have patience! It definitely took me quite a while to lift up with ease. Persistence is key.
Sophie Herbert is an alignment focused yoga teacher (and perpetual student), a singer-songwriter, and a visual artist. She has lived, studied, and volunteered extensively in India; teaches yoga in Brooklyn and Manhattan; and recently released her first full-length album, "Take a Clear Look." Please visit her website at SophieHerbert.com.
From: Sabrina Bolin | 10/27/11 at 8:00 pm
So graceful! As I work my way away from the "thud against the wall" that currently dominates my inversion practice, I will start to incorporate these tips in!