Now, this is not to say we should just dismiss alignment altogether. To assume we should all look the same in a pose is unintelligent, and instead of working with the body, we are working against it. Everyone is doing the pose correctly, and they are working with the body they have. If you have less open shoulders you probably will not get as deep into this pose, and you may also feel much more of a stretch in the shoulders and an opening of the chest as opposed to a backbend. This will also lead to a deeper backbend. Some people have very open and flexible shoulders and they may easily place their heart center on the floor and perhaps place their chin on the mat. Take The Melting Heart pose for instance. We each come with our own story, and to think we can (and should) all look the same in a pose is simply delusional, and it will not lead to anything good. We all have unique bodies with different ranges of mobility, flexibility, and strength. There is no such thing as ‘universal alignment’. No, we do not believe that is ‘good alignment’, and we don’t believe that you should ever strive to make a pose (any pose) look a certain way. If you have been practicing yoga for some time chances are you have heard at least one teacher talking about ‘good alignment’ but what is ‘good alignment’? Is it copying a picture you have seen in a book or on Instagram? Is it having every student in the room looking the exact same in any given pose? Should we all strive for the same aesthetic ideal? A word on ‘good alignment’īefore we dive deeper into the Melting Heart pose we would like to take a moment to talk a bit about alignment in general, yoga teachers facilitating a space where students can tune in and listen to their bodies, and students taking responsibility for their own body and yoga practice. So breathe, and remind yourself that nothing is permanent, and whatever arises will eventually dissolve again. Remember you are not your thoughts and feelings, you are just the one experiencing them. See, if you can simply observe whatever arises with an equanimous mind. Avoid analyzing, going into the emotions or pushing them away. Simply observe the thoughts and emotions that may arise during your practice. That is perfectly normal and nothing you should panic about. Remember, during a yin yoga practice feelings may arise to the surface. It is a pose with many benefits and while it can be a little bit challenging for some people we are sure you will come to love how this pose makes you feel after practicing it. ![]() The pose will give you a nice backbend for the upper and middle back while also opening up the shoulders and softening the heart. If you have very tight shoulders this pose might feel a little bit intense (but it will benefit you greatly!), and if you have very open and flexible shoulders this pose will probably feel very nice. ![]() If you're able to grab hold, lift the leg and arm up a bit for a front body stretch.This is a pose that really divides people! Some love this pose and others, well, it is not exactly their favorite pose. Lift right leg, reach back and grab foot with left hand. ![]() This will stretch the tops of the feet (great if you've been standing all day) and is a good way to find your center.Ĭhild's Pose- Reach arms out in front, rest forehead on the mat, reach hips back behind you. With your thumbs, move the calf muscle away from your body and sit down between your feet. Hero Pose- Start on your shins, spread feet slightly wider than hips. It stretches everything out, and will help quiet your mind. It's Friday! (I probably didn't have to tell you that, right?) Anyway, if you've had a long week, feel free to unwind with this gentle yoga sequence.
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