Simple inversion

I am getting ready to go off to the second module of my teacher training. It is more like going on a yoga retreat than going to learn something. I came back totally filled up, inspired and a little bit sore the last time, which was three months ago. This yoga journey takes three years, but, truth be told, yoga is a lifetime of learning. That is one of the things I love about it.

I have been busy doing all my portfolios. Descriptions of each of the practices we learnt in a set format determined by our tutors.

I thought I would share one of my favourite poses with you. (Although most of them are my favourite poses, ha!)

Sarvangasana 1 - Simple inversion.

Or you could just call it "Legs against the wall". That is what it is!

I love this pose for many reasons. It is really easy. Basically anyone can do it. It can be done with children around - a very important one.

I normally do this while the children are in the bath. I also like to do it at the end of the day, especially when I am feeling really "heady". I also love doing it during my menstrual cycle. It is also really good for jet lag and if you have been travelling for a long time.

I sometimes do it with my children, they really enjoy doing yoga with their mama and they can last about 5 minutes in the posture.

 All you need is a few minutes (try for 10 if possible, but every bit helps) and you come out of it really refreshed. 

Sohail had a lot of fun taking photos of me in the position next to my new sign for my new yoga room. As you can see, I was on the floor, which is not very comfortable. Do it on a carpet and if you don't have a carpet, lie on a mat, rug, towel, or blanket. You should always be comfortable.

It is always a good idea to elongate your neck and upper back before performing any inverted shoulder stand family posture.

Before going into the pose, lie on your back. Interlock your hands behind your head. Slowly lift your head up, bringing your elbows towards each other. You will feel a mild stretch along the vertebrae of the neck and upper back.

To perform the posture:

Position yourself next to a wall, lying down, with your hips very close to the wall. Swing your legs upwards until they are in an upright position, supported by the wall.

Relax in this position with your legs inverted and your torso completely on the floor.

When you get tired, drop your feet towards your buttocks and rest there for a few minutes. Then roll over onto your right side and lie in that postion for a few more minutes. Come up very sloooooowly.

You should feel calmer and much more centred.

We sometimes do this for half a yoga class. It is really therapeutic.

We often get caught up in our daily activities and end up losing our perspective. What I notice when I do this posture, is that I actually get MORE done when I stop to recentre. I get my focus back. I am not running around with scattered energy anymore. 

Does it sound too simple? 

It is not meant to be complicated, this life. We just make it so because we are convinced that the only value is in doing. But, when we stop and just be, we gain perspective. And we can go out to the world and give from a better place.

Doesn't everyone's family deserve that? A happy parent. A parent that is focused on what is important. A parent that is making clear decisions. A parent who demonstrates the importance of self care.

10 minutes. Choose your favourite music. Close your eyes. Breathe into your belly. And let it go.

Blessings to you.

(Please always listen to your own body. If you experience any pain, please stop. The mantra is "no pain, no pain." Also, I am not a qualified teacher, or a doctor, this is just my own experience. Please use your own guidance system or consult a qualified teacher for assistance.)