Why work hard when you can work soft?
Last week I taught classes on the theme of working softly. We all use the phrase "Work Hard" or have said that we've been "hard at work." I was thinking about how that is such a strange thing to say. To me, the word "hard" brings to mind images of inflexibility, obstinacy, and being rock-like. Why can't we be productive, creative, and get a lot done by working softly? To me, it seems like our work will be better if it is more fluid, less hard. For this sequence, I encourage you to work softly through all of the challenges. Be graceful, be strong, and work soft!
- Vajrasana (Diamond Pose)
- Yoga Mudra arms (Seal of Yoga). Fold forward.
- Upavistha Konasana (Seated Wide Legged Forward Fold). Fold torso over center, towards one leg, back through center, and then towards other leg
- Janu Sirsasana (Seated Head to Knee Pose)
- Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana (Revolved Head to Knee Pose)
- Repeat steps 4 and 5 on other side
- Ardha Virasana (Half Hero's Pose). Fold forward over straightened leg
- Try to lie back, or come onto forearms backwards
- Repeat steps 7 and 8 on other side
- Low lunge. Pulse in low lunge, raising and lowering back knee
- Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I)
- Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II)
- Interlocking fingers behind back, fold torso forward towards bent knee, trying to touch shoulder and knee (pressing the two into eachother)
- Bring torso back upright, slight backbend
- Virabhadrasana II, taking palms upward as if cupping raindrops
- Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana (Revolved Warrior Pose)
- Straighten front leg, keeping torso in place
- Trikonasana (Triangle Pose). Hold for 1-2 minutes
- Parsvottanasana (Intense Side Stretch). Reverse prayer hands or hands to opposite elbows behind back.
- Trikonasana
- Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle)
- Virabhadrasana II
- Vinyasa to repeat steps 10-22 on other side
- Vinyasa to floor
- Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose)
- Gentle twists in Bound Angle
- Gomukhasana (Face of Light Pose). Repeat other side
- Upavistha Konasana
- Savasana
