I’m halfway through my Yogathon; raising awareness and funding for Mind Body Solutions, an organisation that helps people experiencing loss, trauma and disability, through yoga.  Week two has been interesting and varied.  My daily adaptive poses are gradually becoming more inventive and challenging, but I’m still reminded that sometimes the simplest of poses can have the most powerful effect on my mind and body. 

8.  Supported Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)

Seated Forward Bend is a pose I often shy away from, but I’ve learnt in my practice that the poses I tend to avoid are often the poses I need most. Using a chair meant I wasn’t tempted to push through the stretch, but could instead really tune into my inner experience. Sitting on a blanket made a difference too.

9.  Legs up the Wall (Viparita Karani) – Supported Shoulderstand (Salamba Sarvangasana) – Plough Pose (Halasana)

I love Legs up the Wall. The trickiest part (for everyone) is getting into position, but once you’re up there it’s incredibly relaxing. It soothes my back pain, clears my head, calms my mind and revives my legs. Sometimes I place a bolster next to the wall, supporting my lower back. Another lovely touch I’ve tried is to place a blanket over my feet; it feels comforting and grounding, even though they’re in the air. My practice today was in class with lovely Casey at Thaxted Yoga. The pose developed into a rejuvenating sequence when I used the wall to support my weight as I lifted up into Supported Shoulderstand and then allowed my legs to fall over my head in Plough. The overall effect felt better than a couple of hours of sleep!

10.  Supported Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)

This is one of those poses when I can breathe a sigh of relief. I can just let go. Using the bolster along my back and a block and cushion under each knee allowed me to open my body and sink deeper into the pose.

11.  Chair Cat-Cow (Marjaryasana)

Traditional Cat-Cow, practiced on all fours in a table-top position, gently warms up the spine, increases movement and reduces tension. This chair version is so useful and accessible because it can be practiced anywhere.

12.  Chair Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)

I felt alive in this pose. My chest opened to reveal a sense of spaciousness I’m not often aware of. I couldn’t help but breathe deeply as I stretched and reached my hand to the sky. Holding onto the wheel with my lowered arm aided my support as I felt the full extension through my arms.

13.  Nesting Pose (Side Savasana)

Sometimes I feel a little too vulnerable lying in Savasana. Nesting pose is a gentle alternative, still allowing my mind and body to come together in rest. It’s similar to the position I sleep in. One of my specialist physiotherapists once set me up with pillows and rolled up towels and told me to think “gooey brie” as we increased the surface area my muscles had to relax into. It greatly improved my sleep, although I did swap the pillows and towels for a large maternity pillow, which is less likely to get kicked out of bed.

14.  Seated Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskara)

I’m always keen to explore accessible variations of Sun Salutation, where I can connect my breath with my movement in a flowing sequence. This is a wonderfully simple version from Bad Yogi.

I’ve been touched by the support, sponsorship and kind words I’ve received during the first half of my Yogathon.  If you’d like to read more about my challenge and maybe even sponsor me, you can find my fundraising page here.