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One of the most fascinating and impressive features of Iyengar yoga, in my opinion, is the innovative usage of props. The same asana can be approached through a variety of different ways - using props to accentuate or exaggerate an action or sensation.

Later once an action has been understood through the usage of props, that same asana can be recreated without props, applying the previous learning to achieve the same level of engagement and understanding.

So, in short, we are not using props as a gimmick, or a way to 'cheat' in our practice. We are using props as a way to experience, to encourage creativity and exploration.

Here in the above picture, the students are using the wall to turn the hands outward in adho mukha svanasana (a common technique), which in turn creates external rotation of the upper arms, allowing for the thoracic spine to be activated and the collar bones to spread.

📸 By @calebming

One of the most fascinating and impressive features of Iyengar yoga, in my opinion, is the innovative usage of props. The same asana can be approached through a variety of different ways - using props to accentuate or exaggerate an action or sensation.

Later once an action has been understood through the usage of props, that same asana can be recreated without props, applying the previous learning to achieve the same level of engagement and understanding.

So, in short, we are not using props as a gimmick, or a way to 'cheat' in our practice. We are using props as a way to experience, to encourage creativity and exploration.

Here in the above picture, the students are using the wall to turn the hands outward in adho mukha svanasana (a common technique), which in turn creates external rotation of the upper arms, allowing for the thoracic spine to be activated and the collar bones to spread.

📸 By @calebming

In my classes, simplicity is favoured over complexity. I don't favour complex routines or sequences, I prefer accessible asanas over aesthetic ones, and I like the instructions to be clear and systematic. After all we are trying to develop our powers of concentration and focus (dharana), not to risk tempting the ego into competition or over exertion.

Photo by @calebming 📷🙏

In my classes, simplicity is favoured over complexity. I don't favour complex routines or sequences, I prefer accessible asanas over aesthetic ones, and I like the instructions to be clear and systematic. After all we are trying to develop our powers of concentration and focus (dharana), not to risk tempting the ego into competition or over exertion.

Photo by @calebming 📷🙏

Join us this year as we embark on another year of practice and exploration!

I've been running a group class in Bandra continuously since 2018 and the community has flourished over the years. The students are a warmhearted bunch who approach the practice with sincerity and commitment. So, if that sounds like the kind of group you'd like to be a part of, then you're most welcome to join us!

Please message for further information or queries!

Namaste 🙏

Join us this year as we embark on another year of practice and exploration!

I've been running a group class in Bandra continuously since 2018 and the community has flourished over the years. The students are a warmhearted bunch who approach the practice with sincerity and commitment. So, if that sounds like the kind of group you'd like to be a part of, then you're most welcome to join us!

Please message for further information or queries!

Namaste 🙏

Join us for group yoga sessions in Bandra West, Mumbai, and online via Zoom.

Ideal for those who are looking to be part of a group of committed yoga practitioners. We prioritise regular, accessible, and safe yoga practice.

Classes are suitable for all levels of experience 🙏

Join us for group yoga sessions in Bandra West, Mumbai, and online via Zoom.

Ideal for those who are looking to be part of a group of committed yoga practitioners. We prioritise regular, accessible, and safe yoga practice.

Classes are suitable for all levels of experience 🙏

Some experiments with padma matsyasana & padma setu bandha. 🪷

Lowering the weight of the legs down in the setu bandha version is DIFFICULT - requires flexibility in the front of the hips, lower back strength - and probably smaller glutes. Maybe one of those poses which is possible for some people (from an anatomical standpoint) and not for others.....!

Some experiments with padma matsyasana & padma setu bandha. 🪷

Lowering the weight of the legs down in the setu bandha version is DIFFICULT - requires flexibility in the front of the hips, lower back strength - and probably smaller glutes. Maybe one of those poses which is possible for some people (from an anatomical standpoint) and not for others.....!

Join us for a hatha yoga practice, five times a week in the centre of Bandra West!

🔹We are a group of non-judgemental, friendly practitioners, with a focus on safe, systematic practice.

🔹The students are warm and sincere, and welcome all new students heartily into the group. Together our objective is to explore asana and pranayama and their effects on mind and body.

See you soon!

(Ground floor, Daughters of St Paul, Waterfield road, Bandra West, Mumbai)

Join us for a hatha yoga practice, five times a week in the centre of Bandra West!

🔹We are a group of non-judgemental, friendly practitioners, with a focus on safe, systematic practice.

🔹The students are warm and sincere, and welcome all new students heartily into the group. Together our objective is to explore asana and pranayama and their effects on mind and body.

See you soon!

(Ground floor, Daughters of St Paul, Waterfield road, Bandra West, Mumbai)

Using props while practicing salamba sarvangasana allows the student to stay longer in the asana and reap it's benefits. The props also help the student to achieve sthira (steadiness) and sukha (ease), which increases the likelihood of comfortable breathing. ✨

In the words of TKV Desikachar:

🔸“Sthira (steadiness) Sukha (ease) should both be present in Asana. It also implies one should be able to choose the breath ratio."

🔸"Sthira (steadiness) is the absence of Rajas (energy/activity).”

🔸“Whatever is called Yoga
must have some characteristic
of Sthira and Sukha, whether it is
Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Pratyāhāra, or Dhāraṇā.”

Using props while practicing salamba sarvangasana allows the student to stay longer in the asana and reap it's benefits. The props also help the student to achieve sthira (steadiness) and sukha (ease), which increases the likelihood of comfortable breathing. ✨

In the words of TKV Desikachar:

🔸“Sthira (steadiness) Sukha (ease) should both be present in Asana. It also implies one should be able to choose the breath ratio."

🔸"Sthira (steadiness) is the absence of Rajas (energy/activity).”

🔸“Whatever is called Yoga
must have some characteristic
of Sthira and Sukha, whether it is
Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Pratyāhāra, or Dhāraṇā.”

Nestled amongst the tomatoes, basil, and beans (😆), we had a very special yoga session followed by a delicious dinner prepared from the organic produce of the farm.
The ladies who attended the session in Kalmthout, Belgium, were meeting for the first time as a group ahead of our retreat to the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand next spring.
It was a beautiful evening ✨🍅

Nestled amongst the tomatoes, basil, and beans (😆), we had a very special yoga session followed by a delicious dinner prepared from the organic produce of the farm.
The ladies who attended the session in Kalmthout, Belgium, were meeting for the first time as a group ahead of our retreat to the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand next spring.
It was a beautiful evening ✨🍅

For the ladies!
Please take time to read! 🌸🙏

Asana practice is not 'one size fits all'. As women we have requirements and restrictions that our counterparts perhaps do not. Our anatomy is different, our hormones are different, our energy levels are different. So it makes sense that we should tailor our yoga practice accordingly.

Some women are fortunate to experience normal menstruation, but others may experience lack of menstruation, heavy menstruation, painful menstruation, PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, irregular cycles, hormonal imbalance, thyroid issues. These issues can be treated with medications but sometimes lifestyle changes, such as introduction of correct asana practice may also help.

🔹

Please note that some asanas which are suitable during menopause are not suitable during menstruation time, and vice versa.

For the ladies!
Please take time to read! 🌸🙏

Asana practice is not 'one size fits all'. As women we have requirements and restrictions that our counterparts perhaps do not. Our anatomy is different, our hormones are different, our energy levels are different. So it makes sense that we should tailor our yoga practice accordingly.

Some women are fortunate to experience normal menstruation, but others may experience lack of menstruation, heavy menstruation, painful menstruation, PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, irregular cycles, hormonal imbalance, thyroid issues. These issues can be treated with medications but sometimes lifestyle changes, such as introduction of correct asana practice may also help.

🔹

Please note that some asanas which are suitable during menopause are not suitable during menstruation time, and vice versa.

Different bodies, different lifestyles, but all choosing to make time for themselves for the benefit of body and mind. 🌸🙏

Different bodies, different lifestyles, but all choosing to make time for themselves for the benefit of body and mind. 🌸🙏

The world is dark and heavy at the moment, posting anything feels a little misplaced...but I find illustration is a good outlet during these helpless times.

So, with that in mind, I thought I would share some variations of pasasana. These days I use pasasana very often in my classes - and truly there's a suitable option for everyone. It's an awesome asana to release accumulated tension in the back after backbending poses and also to gain access to the thoracic spine (for those with stiff mid/upper backs).

🙏

The world is dark and heavy at the moment, posting anything feels a little misplaced...but I find illustration is a good outlet during these helpless times.

So, with that in mind, I thought I would share some variations of pasasana. These days I use pasasana very often in my classes - and truly there's a suitable option for everyone. It's an awesome asana to release accumulated tension in the back after backbending poses and also to gain access to the thoracic spine (for those with stiff mid/upper backs).

🙏

Rope suspended front body lengthening followed by twists to release (and a long forward fold which is not shown here!).

Mishti was very bored and wanted to get out of the room and find something more interesting to look at 🤣

Rope suspended front body lengthening followed by twists to release (and a long forward fold which is not shown here!).

Mishti was very bored and wanted to get out of the room and find something more interesting to look at 🤣

Stories behind the Asanas - Part 2!

In this post we learn about the lives of Sage Astavakra, Matsyendra(nath), and Goraksha(nath), and how their stories link to the asanas that carry their name.

In the case of Astavakra, the asana that took his name (astavakrasana) has a very clear link in terms of physical resemblance but also a more subtle link that hints towards his resilience.

With Matsyendra(nath), the deep spinal twist that carries his name 'ardha matsyendrasana' involves turning the front body towards the back, is a metaphor for the very process of yoga - turning the conscious mind towards the subconscious mind.

Anyway, enjoy ! There may be more to come!

Stories behind the Asanas - Part 2!

In this post we learn about the lives of Sage Astavakra, Matsyendra(nath), and Goraksha(nath), and how their stories link to the asanas that carry their name.

In the case of Astavakra, the asana that took his name (astavakrasana) has a very clear link in terms of physical resemblance but also a more subtle link that hints towards his resilience.

With Matsyendra(nath), the deep spinal twist that carries his name 'ardha matsyendrasana' involves turning the front body towards the back, is a metaphor for the very process of yoga - turning the conscious mind towards the subconscious mind.

Anyway, enjoy ! There may be more to come!

Ever wondered why asanas have the names that they do?

Some of you who have an understanding of basic Sanskrit will find it easy to break down asana names to reveal which shape/qualities are being described. For example 'urdhva mukha svanasana':

urdhva (upward)
mukha (facing)
svan (dog)
asana (seat/posture)

But other asanas have unique names that don't feature descriptors such as 'konasana' (angle), 'parivrtta' (revolved), 'uttitha' (extended). These unique names, such as Vashishtasana or Visvamitrasana, often leave us puzzled about how / what we are embodying!

In this post I'm sharing a very simplified background story of three such poses. Tomorrow I will share another three!

🙏

Ever wondered why asanas have the names that they do?

Some of you who have an understanding of basic Sanskrit will find it easy to break down asana names to reveal which shape/qualities are being described. For example 'urdhva mukha svanasana':

urdhva (upward)
mukha (facing)
svan (dog)
asana (seat/posture)

But other asanas have unique names that don't feature descriptors such as 'konasana' (angle), 'parivrtta' (revolved), 'uttitha' (extended). These unique names, such as Vashishtasana or Visvamitrasana, often leave us puzzled about how / what we are embodying!

In this post I'm sharing a very simplified background story of three such poses. Tomorrow I will share another three!

🙏

Our second week at the new studio @goeclipse_in ! Certainly we are enjoying having access to the full Iyengar wall ropes and are becoming more familiar with the space.

Join us every Tuesday at 6.30pm !

@goeclipse_in
@phoebebaskett

Our second week at the new studio @goeclipse_in ! Certainly we are enjoying having access to the full Iyengar wall ropes and are becoming more familiar with the space.

Join us every Tuesday at 6.30pm !

@goeclipse_in
@phoebebaskett

A few snapshots from the Monsoon Retreat last weekend 🌧️🧘🌿

It was a short and sweet escape from the city - certainly everyone felt the benefit of our green surroundings!

We enjoyed leisurely breakfasts together, many cups of coffee, and a walk along the blustery beach 🍃

Join us for the next one!

A few snapshots from the Monsoon Retreat last weekend 🌧️🧘🌿

It was a short and sweet escape from the city - certainly everyone felt the benefit of our green surroundings!

We enjoyed leisurely breakfasts together, many cups of coffee, and a walk along the blustery beach 🍃

Join us for the next one!

My awesome student Ann 😎. She is 60+ and embraces every sequence I throw at her with full gusto!! We've made a lot of discoveries and learnings over the years, and have become more and more attuned with ourselves, with our practice, and with each other! She is an inspiration and a truly dedicated student. ❤️

@ann.vsp

My awesome student Ann 😎. She is 60+ and embraces every sequence I throw at her with full gusto!! We've made a lot of discoveries and learnings over the years, and have become more and more attuned with ourselves, with our practice, and with each other! She is an inspiration and a truly dedicated student. ❤️

@ann.vsp

🚨 STUDIO LOCATION CHANGE 🚨

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Tuesday evening 6.30pm class will be permanently shifting to Eclipse Wellbeing Studio on Linking road, Santacruz West.

It's a beautiful, modern studio, fully equipped with all Iyengar props - I'm sure we will have a lot of fun there! Please share the word amongst friends who reside in Khar and Santacruz 🥰

@goeclipse_in

Morning classes (Mon/Wed/Fri -8am) (Saturday's - 9am) will continue as usual at Retreat House on Kane road.

🚨 STUDIO LOCATION CHANGE 🚨

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Tuesday evening 6.30pm class will be permanently shifting to Eclipse Wellbeing Studio on Linking road, Santacruz West.

It's a beautiful, modern studio, fully equipped with all Iyengar props - I'm sure we will have a lot of fun there! Please share the word amongst friends who reside in Khar and Santacruz 🥰

@goeclipse_in

Morning classes (Mon/Wed/Fri -8am) (Saturday's - 9am) will continue as usual at Retreat House on Kane road.

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