It’s the final week of my Yogathon. It’s been such a wonderful month. I’ve deepened my practice whilst raising awareness and funds for a very special organisation, Mind Body Solutions. Hopefully, I’ve inspired a few yogis along the way too.  The main thing I’ve taken away for myself is a fantastic reminder of how empowering flexibility can be.  I don’t mean the flexibility of being able to bend into an advanced asana, though of course that can feel fantastic, but the flexibility of approach.  Keeping an open mind, exploring what’s possible and being creative in making that happen is the key to so many doors. 

22.  Supported Reclining Hero Pose (Supta Virasana)

I loved the feeling of contact and support my spine had along the full length of the bolster, whilst my lower body had a deep stretch. I needed a couple of counter-poses afterwards – Child’s pose and a Seated Forward Bend.

23.  Partner Yoga

It took confidence to trust my body and that of somebody else’s in these poses. Of course that was helped by having my wonderful friend and teacher, Casey, as my partner. The thing that most struck me was how each partner pose brought benefits to both participants – they really are a true partnership. Correct alignment is naturally encouraged by each other and a deepening of poses results. It’s great fun too. Thanks, Casey!

24.  Chair Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I)

I’ve practiced many variations of the Warrior poses. Sometimes I do arms only, other times I do a low lunge version. I was keen to explore this idea of using a chair to support a high lunge. It was surprisingly challenging, requiring focus on my balance and strength in my core. I got the feeling of strength and courage that I so often experience in the Warrior poses. I’m looking forward to trying others over the next few days.

25.  Chair Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)

During my second chair Warrior pose, I discovered how the alignment cues I’m familiar with in the traditional pose apply with this supported version. I was aware not to let my knee extend over my ankle, to relax my shoulders, keep my torso upright and my gaze towards my fingertips as my arms extended away from me. Bertie was also practising his chair yoga today!

26.  Chair Reverse Warrior (Viparita Virabhadrasana)

Reverse Warrior added new challenges in balance and stability to the chair sequence I’ve been practising the last few days. Using the chair as support has really added a new dimension to my practice of the Warrior poses as I’ve worked on alignment, strength, flexibility and balance.

27.  Modified Chair Pose (Utkatasana)

Chair pose is one I could easily avoid. The idea of it feels too challenging with the combination of holding my arms above whilst finding strength and stability in bent legs, all whilst maintaining balance. As I’ve said before, I’ve learnt that the poses I tend to avoid are often the ones I need to practice the most, so today I have been experimenting with a modification. I used a chair to support me, aiding my balance and taking some of the weight from my legs. There was still plenty to challenge me but I’m happy to say I’ve found a way into this pose. I took time to really experience the sense of grounding through my feet whilst my arms reached high. It brought to mind one of my favourite yoga sayings, ‘sky above, earth below, peace within.’

28.  Supported Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana)

I love Puppy Pose. It gives me the comfort of Child’s pose with a bit of a Downward Dog stretch. I’ve not tried a supported version before. It felt very restful and reflective.

29.  Chair Moon Salutation (Chandra Namaskara)

This is the first time I’ve included a Moon Salutation in my practice. As the opposite of a Sun Salutation it is calming and reflective, and it felt like a wonderful way to complete my Kiss My Asana month. This is my own variation, adapted to meet my needs for today.

Thank you for all of your support and interest during my Kiss My Asana month. I will soon be compiling an easy reference to all the poses in My Toolbox.