Written by Kara Goodsell

Translated as “intense stretch of the ‘west side’ of the body” Paschimottanasana is a basic seated forward bend, which stretches the length of the spine, and allows the life-force to flow to every part of the body.

In Vedic symbology the back of the body is considered the ‘west’, because of the traditional practice of facing the rising sun in the east when performing the morning worship of Surya Namaskar or Salute to the Sun.

The western bearing is in the direction of the setting sun and as such represents a time of turning inward as the active desires of the day dissipate into the turn of night.

The back line of the body is a continuous network of muscles and fascia (or connective tissue) that extends from the soles of the feet to the ridge of the brow and as the top half of the body folds over the bottom half, the asana creates a horseshoe of energy, which challenges the patience and the ego.

By gently surrendering to the action of the deep forward bend, we can find the humility integral to our practice.

Written by Kara Goodsell

Virabhadrasana II, a basic asymmetrical standing hip opener, is named after Virabhadra, a warrior whose story is told in the epic Sanskrit poem Kumarasambhava.

The story tells of Shiva and his first wife Sati, the daughter of King Daksha, whose role was to regulate ritual and the invocation of divine powers.

Written by Kara Goodsell

This month we take a closer look at the basic standing pose, Trikonasana, or ‘triangle pose’.  This is a deceptively simple posture, with layers of subtlety in how you can refine your awareness and alignment.   It’s an asymmetrical wide legged standing pose and basic hip opening pose.
 
In Hindu mythology, the triangle is a potent symbol for the Divine Principle and the three sides of the triangle represent the forces of the universe: Brahma the creative force, Vishnu the sustaining force and Shiva, the force of change.

The triangle posture signifies the mind, body and spirit of the aspirant yogi and emphasises the 3 parts of the interplay of forces: dependency, interdependency and interaction.

The qualities of the triangle and Trikonasana are strength, the ability to support weight and the ability to resist pressure.

Written by Brook McCarthy

Gomukhasana is an often-underestimated pose which works two of the most important parts of the body – the shoulders and hips. It is particularly appreciated in sequence before or after down-face dog poses to help relieve any tension that has crept into the shoulders and help open the shoulders further for down-face dog.

Written by Brook McCarthy

Often what is least palatable is best for us. Utkatasana is such a pose. As our thighs and belly begin to burn, we may back out of the pose or take a stiff upper lip and persevere. The challenge is to persist without becoming rigid. Not only does practising Utkatasana help build stamina but, as Byron Yoga Centre teacher trainer Michael Nazar explains, it brings concentration and the stability and strength which helps all standing poses.

Written by Brook McCarthy

Being upside down can be confronting for some. Yet the benefits are many – combating hyperactivity, stimulating metabolism, increasing cardiovascular circulation and opening the heart. Salamba Sarvangasana, or Shoulderstand, is particularly effective for people with an overactive thyroid – symptoms which include excessive talking, an inability to focus or listen, stuttering, and physical hyperactivity. As John Ogilvie, senior teacher and founder of Byron Yoga Centre explains, adopting a supported shoulder stand using a chair helps us relax and surrender to its benefits.

Written by Brook McCarthy

You're standing with legs spread and hips lined up. You've sucked in your belly and lengthened your spine. You bend your front leg to lower into Virabhadrasana I and your hips begin to tilt - you have lost alignment. Although quite a simple looking standing pose, a well-aligned and deep Virabhadrasana I can be most elusive, where compressed lower backs and furrowed brows among yogis abound.

Written by Brook McCarthy

One of the fundamental yoga postures adho mukha svanasana, or down face dog, is an asana that continues to evolve for both new and experienced students. It is very therapeutic, combining the benefits of an arm balance, forward bend and inversion. When the body is in perfect balance with minimal muscle tension, the mind and body come together in pure consciousness, allowing the flow of energy or prana.