Yoga With Andrea

We had a great session with the Invocation to Patanjali on Sunday! Lots of exploration and introspection.
Join us next time !

Taking courses from Oxford centre for Hindu studies. Stay tuned for new learning ❤️

"If you observe the effort involved in doing the pose as a beginner and then continue to observe the effort as you make progress, the effort becomes less and less, but the level of performance of the asana improves. The degree of physical effort decreases and the achievement increases.... When wise action comes, you no longer feel the effort as effort — you feel the effort as joy."
BKS Iyengar (The Tree of Yoga p.39-40)

I love this quote, this is how we move forward with curiosity.

Use the feet to lift the body up off the shoulders to bring lightness to the pose.

Yoga is for every mind.

Great first day of yoga at Eric Cardinal Hall.
9:30am Mondays
Come try gentle Yoga With Andrea

Gentle Iyengar Yoga starting April 25th.
9:30am
Eric Cardinal Hall
Gibsons

What if we all took a pause today?A breath?
This is where miracles happen.

New video🎉
Let’s explore the feet together

Iyengar Yoga Sequence: Let’s Explore the Foot Stability Iyengar yoga teacher, Andrea Fulkerson, explores the foundation of the feet in this 30 minute video. Learn with Andrea as she teaches 5 yoga poses:▶ detaile...

Everything in the physical world is changeable, pliable, adaptable.
Namaste

Let’s work with the outer hips.

Iyengar Yoga Sequence: Hip Stability Iyengar yoga teacher, Andrea Fulkerson, teaches the action of the hips in this 20 minute video. Learn with Andrea as she teaches 5 yoga poses:▶ creative sequ...

Supported urdhva dhanurasana with two chairs, and three bolsters. Arms holding the back of the second chair. This pose shows if the pelvis is twisted like no other. I have my feet on blocks to lift and open the pelvis without strain. Abdomen is soft as the legs roll in.

Malasana II
Props can be used to move toward the final pose position. Use the belt to elongate the spine as the head rests. The back opens here in a lateral way as the legs become active. Start learning by focusing on your squatting and ankle mobility.

Kurmasana- great spreader of the back muscles. The story goes that this asana is dedicated to Kurma the Tortoise incarnation of Visnu- the maintainer of the universe.

Travel with me as I explore Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras :

https://iyengaryogavancouver.com/2022/01/24/exploring-the-yoga-sutras-the-beginning/

Exploring the Yoga Sutras: The Beginning - B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Association Based on a Course from Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies by Professor Dr. Nicholas Sutton. Renewal When the mind knows itself and loves itself, there is a trinity, a trinity … Read more Exploring the Yoga Sutras: The Beginning

New article coming soon !!

Check out my article at Vancouver Iyengar Association blogs

Have a look at how props teach the thighs to go back- elongating the lower back. Notice the life in the legs and the backward energy in the second pose.

Calling dental hygienists

If you would like a class designed for you- let me know !

In person classes suspended at this time. Please pm me for video series or zoom classes!

Resting extended lateral side angle pose (utthita parsvakonasana)

This pose mobilizes the ankles, knees and thighs to create tone. It corrects defects in the calves and thighs, developing the chest and reducing fat around the waist and hips (did you hear that ladies? 😳).It is said to relieve sciatic and arthritic pains, as well as increasing digestive motility and aiding in elimination.
When done in a head resting position, the abdomen can be opened to provide freedom to the organs and breath.

My article in a national magazine!!!! So exciting!

I wish you all Peace over the holidays.

“There are sanskrit words in the yoga sutra of patanjali that refer to the uneven breathing that occurs when we experience stress, anxiety or a distracted mind. It is called Shvasa Prashvasa and indicates irregular breathing. When we practice towards more smoothness of breath in asana and in pranayama, we attempt to also address the blockages (what the sutra call obstacles) that hinder regular flow of breath. When we observe the differences between the two sides/two nostrils/two eyes we begin a process of paying attention which could help us minimize such imbalances. That, in turn, could support our process towards a quieter mind and a more meditative state at the end of practice.” (Senior Iyengar teacher Louie Ettling)

Two bolsters work great to practice backbends.
First place your head on the blanket end of the rectangular bolster (a round one will work but not as well). Then slide back to your maximum allowing the shoulders to move in the direction of the floor. Stay with knees bent for some time. Observe. If the back is aching, slide back on the blanket and rest in cross leg. If the back is ok, one by one stretch the legs.
Use the bolster to teach you how to round the shoulders farther toward the floor.
ALWAYS PRACTICE AHIMSA- non violence with the body. To open too fast means to injure.
Start slow. Maybe try jus the second pose for a while with head resting on the bolster. Do not become goal oriented.

Spend some time in quiet today. Outside in nature perhaps. Simply observe

Coming November -
Home videos- do yoga on your own time!

Back bends begin very simply and can be initiated with a simple lift of the chest toward the ceiling. Raising the chest skyward and pointing the sitting bones toward the floor in a standing position will help even the stiffest spine. It is the beginning of freedom.

Stand in Tadasana -mountain pose
Raise the chest and upper back upward and at the same time do a small pelvic tilt to lower to lift the thighs up.

Voila- backbend preparation!

The beginning of a backbend. Rest and notice how easy the breath is on the inhale. Put enough blanket or support under the head so the back of neck remains long and the chin is in line with the forehead. Another good pose for digestion as the stomach is open and soft. Great for after a large meal on this thanks giving weekend.
Stay tuned for next weekend bender suggestions…..

Visit Iyengar Association of Vancouver for a video practice and my NEW article on Exploring the Yoga Sutras