Although I don’t do “New Year’s Resolutions”, I am a planner and goal setter so I have a 5-year plan. I update my 5-year plan quarterly to keep track of my progress to goals or account for life’s unforeseen events (yes, I know I’m type-A and nerdy). Last year my yoga goals were to be able to hold a Supported Headstand for at least 1 minute (without a wall for support) and to practice yoga at least once a week. See picture for evidence that I accomplished yoga goal #1 🙂
- Salamba Sirsasana – Supported Headstand (step-by-step instructions here)
- Sanskrit Translation: salamba (with support – sa = with; alamba = support) + sirsa (head) + asana (pose)
- Pronunciation: sah-LOM-bah shear-SHAHS-anna
Embracing slowness and breath were crucial to me achieving this pose. In the beginning, when practicing against a wall I would throw my legs over my head. However, as soon as I tried to practice the pose without a wall I’d flip over or lose my balance. Then I saw a video where someone went super slow and it seemed easier and full of grace. When I worked with my breath, raising my legs inch by inch my balance was maintained 🙂
For 2013 my yoga goals are to perfect these three poses:
- Double Pigeon or Fire Log Pose (Agnistambhasana)
- Half Lotus Pose (Ardha Padmasana)
- Half Lotus Pose (Ardha Padmasana)
