Forward Bends for Flexible People

Today's post is for intermediate/advanced students that are comfortable in their back, shoulders, and hamstrings. This post is not for the timid. I'm not going all contortionist on you - I can't do most of the craziest forward bends, but I know some modifications if basic forward bends are getting boring for you.

This sequence is NOT for just anyone. Don't try this sequence without speaking to your Dr. first if you have any medical/physical problems and/or do not already have a comfortable capable intermediate level yoga practice. Seek Peace At Your Own Risk!

Warm Up First.

Yep, that's a forward bend.

Elbows out to the side, side body long, shoulders back.
Clasped hands or holding a wrist around the feet are further options.

One 4 inch cork block.

Two 4 inch thick cork blocks. Don't hurt yourself.

I wouldn't suggest doing the last couple very often. In fact, maybe just don't do them at all. I generally don't. It's just a little something I know I can do. If you're more comfortable in your forward bends than I am - maybe do them once a week.

Have questions about these modifications? Did this post only confuse you? Send me your questions and I'll always do my best to answer them.

John Friend on Sex & Tantra - (Video)

I came across this short little video on the Devil Wears Prana yoga blog and I had to share it here. It's John Friend, founder of Anusara Yoga, talking a bit about Tantra and what it may or may not have to do with Sex. Check it out!

Email Readers - Click Here for the Video.

Everything We See Will Come to Pass

"Life is short, don't work too hard, take time to spend with the ones you love, and be love.

For everything we see will come to pass." - Mark Giubarelli (one of my teachers)

Yoga! For Science!

I haven't been doing enough yoga lately. I've been too distracted by the whole weight-training and better nutrition thing. I have to work pretty hard to build up habits and then I have to work even harder to integrate new habits side by side with the old. It's a problem.

Anyway, the point that I was getting around to - is that it's fairly obvious that I haven't been doing enough yoga. Not only because my backbends are already getting a little worse and my neck muscles are feeling tight... but because I have been in a foul mood. Yoga has always had a very nice chippering-up effect on me. There was a time when I had rage problems, but once I had thoroughly taken on yoga it pretty much went away. I became much more calm and level-headed. Lately - not so much. Bring back the yoga! Before I flip out on someone. Please.

It's not just me either - Science has proven yoga's magical mood-lifting abilities. Read about it HERE. (from Allure magazine of all places) Not that there's anything wrong with Allure. I just don't usually consider it my go-to reading material for all things Science.

More yoga - I'm putting it on the To Do List. Definitely.

Just Be Together

“Let’s trade in all our judging for appreciating. Let’s lay down our righteousness and just be together.”

— Ram Dass

Repeat After Me - Spread Your Toes

I may have said this before, but spread your toes. In every single pose - spread your toes. Standing on 2 feet, standing on 1, inversions, arm balances... lunges... everything. Spread your toes for balance, rooting, appropriate levels of "reach" through your legs, foot strength, knee therapy, etc.

Bruce Lee on Limits

Sorry if the font is too light and small... if you click the pic you should be able to make it bigger.

Picture Source: not sure, but it's not mine.