A most often asked question- Why would you use a block? What are they for?- and my all time favorite comment--- “ I don’t need one!” Many think blocks are for people who aren’t up to “standard” in their yoga pose. First and most important point- yoga is NOT a competition- it is a path for each individual to follow and progress at their own pace, in their own time, for their own benefit. It’s about your journey, not the person next to you! Blocks not only assist in keeping alignment in a pose, they are an essential part of many poses. Today we’ll show how a block helps in alignment in Trikonasana (Triangle). There will be more on the use of blocks in future blogs.   In the first photo set, yoga student Cyndy Blunk is stretching to the max to get her hand to the floor, appearing as if she is really “doing the pose” However, the symmetry of the pose is lost, the moment she passes her personal limit in keeping the pose in alignment. Triangle pose is designed to keep the feet, hips, torso and shoulders all in the same line, while opening the front and side body and hip. The extension focuses on the spine…lengthening, opening the energy channels running up and down the body. Sure, she is stretching that hamstring and it probably feels great. Yet, once the body goes past the “edge” , the hip pops out the back, the front body collapses and faces the floor, thereby losing all of the extension on the top and bottoms sides of body. The only thing lengthening here is her hamstring and she has lost the entire benefit and purpose of the pose. She is in hamstring stretch, not Triangle!!  In the second photo set-Cyndy places the block behind her front leg. Behind the leg placement is the spot for the block, instead of in front of the shin. This guides the body to stay open, not forward. She extends as far as her body allows her before it would change position, placing her fingertips on the block. Notice how her feet, hips, shoulders, head are all on the same plane- this allows the body to be “in the pose” with extension in the hip, top side, front and underneath. The front body faces forward, not down, her hip does not pop out, all of her organs are able to receive the breath and benefit. Thanks for the Do this...Not that...demo Cyndy!Next time you think you have to throw yourself down to the floor just to look like you are really stretchy, remember--Triangle is an opening pose, so practice these tips to stay “in” alignment, use your block and enjoy the pose and all of the positive energies that come forth! Namaste! Laurie . |
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