In previous two posts, I discussed both the classical version as well as the “tripod” version of the Shirshasana (headstand pose). In today’s post, we will practice a few stretches that will help us prepare for the practice of headstand (shirshasana).
I hope you will enjoy practicing with the video demonstration.
In a recent post we discussed the classical version of the shirshasana (headstand). In this version, the fingers of the two hands are interlaced and the head is positioned against the two palms. The forehead is allowed to rest lightly on the floor.
In today’s post, we will practice another variation of the headstand called the tripod headstand. In this version, the head is fully on the ground whereas the palms are placed flat on the floor, about shoulder width apart. Effectively then, the two palms and the head are in the shape of a tripod which provides stability and balance for the pose. In this post, we’ll be practicing two variations of the tripod headstand or the Shirshasana.
I hope you will enjoy practicing with me using the video demonstration.
Shirshasana (headstand), along with Sarvangasana (shoulder stand), is one of the commonly practiced inverted poses. In today’s article, I am going to discuss the Shirshasana – (शीर्षासन) – [audio:http://www.integralyogastudio.com/sounds/shirshasana.mp3](headstand) along with some variations that are incorporated while in the asana. In many yoga texts, shirshasana has been described as "the king of asanas", perhaps due to the many benefits that it provides.
Preparation for the asana
It is highly advisable that the shirshasana be learned under the guidance of an experienced teacher.
Beginners should use a wall for support in the early stages. This will help them develop the necessary strength in the neck, shoulders and the head as well as help them develop balance and self-confidence so they can eventually practice it without any support.
I am pleased to announce the next Meditation Intensive. In this program, I will discuss the basic concepts of meditation and practice several of the concentration (dharana) and meditation (dhyana) techniques. Most of the information that I will be sharing is based on the concepts discussed in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and related classical yoga texts.
No prior asana, pranayama or meditation experience is required.
Here are the particulars:
What: 14-day Meditation Intensive
When: Monday, April 15 – Sunday, April 28, 2019
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 AM
Location: Integral Yoga Studio, 4000 Bear Cat Way, Suite 102, Morrisville, NC 27560
Daily Routine: Light stretching (10-15 minutes), Pranayama (15 min), Relaxation (10-15 min), Meditation – discussion and practice (45 min)
Commitment: A firm commitment to follow this schedule and attend every day
I invite you to join us for this memorable yoga event where we will practice 108 rounds of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations). Surya Namaskar, practiced to the accompaniment of beautifully chanted mantras, will not only invigorate and energize you but also lead you into a state of deep meditation.
Event: Surya Namaskar Yogathon (108 rounds of Sun Salutations)
Location: Hindu Temple (HSNC), main Cultural Hall, 309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560; temple phone: (919) 481-2574
When: Sunday, April 14, 2019
Time: 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM (on-site registration starts at 6:30 AM)
Program Fee (donation to the temple – includes veggie lunch): $20 with pre-registration or $25 on-site on the day of the event.
Program: Om chanting, invocation prayer, a brief discussion of the mantras associated with SN (a chart of SN is available on my website here), practice 108 rounds of Surya Namaskar accompanied by the chanting of beautifully rendered Surya Namaskar mantras, yoga nidra (deep relaxation), brief session of pranayama to balance out the flow of prana, closing chants.
Lunch: Vegetarian lunch will follow the event
Light snacks, tea/coffee will be available in the hallway during the event.
To register: please fill out the registration form on the HSNC website and submit it online. You can make the payment on the same page.
I would like to invite you to a yoga retreat in the beautiful rural setting in Mebane, NC. At this retreat you will be able to slow down and experience yourself at a deeper level, nourished and supported by the beauty of natural surroundings. You will be able to deepen your personal yoga practice and develop an understanding of the underlying concepts in yoga in an ashram setting under the guidance of Subhash Mittal. Subhash is a long-time yoga practitioner and a dedicated yoga teacher who has been teaching yoga since 1996. Subhash brings the best out of the traditional, ancient yoga teachings and weaves these teachings in the practice of asana, pranayama, meditation and relaxation leading to a fulfilling and enriching life experience.
Come to this beautiful retreat center to tune in to the rhythms of nature and make a deeper connection with your true inner Self! This is a rare opportunity to spend time away from the stresses and strains of daily life and immerse into a yogic way of life.
I hope you’ve been enjoying practicing the seated hip opening poses presented earlier in part 1 and part 2 of this series of articles. In today’s post, part 3, I am presenting the following additional hip opening poses from the seated position:
In today’s post, I would like to introduce you to two breathing techniques which are jointly labeled as “cooling pranayama”.
The first one is called “sītkārī” (सीत्कारी) which literally means the breathing technique that “produces the hissing ‘seee’ or the ‘seet’ sound”. In English, it is usually translated as the “hissing cooling breath”. The second is called “śītalī” ( शीतली) which means the techniques that has a cooling effect.
These practices provide cooling not only at the physical level but also at the nervous and mental levels. They are highly effective in cooling the system during summer time. However, they can be practiced even during winter months as they calm the nerves down and also help release mental tension and stress. These pranayama techniques also help reduce blood pressure.
Both Shitali and Sitkari are similar to the Ujjayi pranayama discussed here. The main difference is in the inhalation. In the Ujjayi pranayama, the inhalation is through both the nostrils. On the other hand, in Sitkari the inhalation is through the gap in the teeth whereas in Shitali the inhalation is through the tongue which is pulled out and rolled into the shape of a tube. At the end of inhalation, the technique is identical to the one practiced in Ujjayi pranayama.
I hope you will enjoy practicing with me using the video demonstration.
In a previous post, I presented part 1 of the seated hip opening poses. In today’s post, part 2, I am
presenting a few more of the seated hip opening poses.
I hope you will enjoy practicing these asanas along with the video presentation.
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