I've had more than a few students this past week asking me about setting up Crane Pose / Bakasana, so I thought I'd make another video regarding some details.

I've posted crane tutorials before, but perhaps I'll mention or show something a little differently here that might highlight some aspect of the posture in a new or different way that is helpful.

But as always, the secret is not so much in having it explained just right, but in practicing many times. Trying and failing again and again, combined with not settling for "good enough".

That said, here are some tips...

• Set the knees (not the shins) as high up on the back of the arms as you can get them.
• Tuck your knees into the arms and thighs into the ribs.
• Start with the arms/elbows about 75% straight, then  over time progress to 100% straight arms.
• If you never fall/lose your balance, you're probably holding back.
• Find a teacher that pushes you out of your comfort zone.

To receive more guidance developing your practice you can register for in person or online classes at the link below.

See you in class!

​Jason

In this video I go over some key details of Ardha Uttanasana in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga practice.  Both holding the posture, as well as moving thru it, as in Sun Salutations.

Details, details, details.

See you in class!

Jason

In this video I go over some details and progressions of developing one of the fundamental postures in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga practice, Revolved Triangle Pose.

Be patient.  Be persistent.  A steady drip of water hollows out stone.

See you in class!

​Jason

That so many people do not follow the steps mentioned in this video, is why I have little hair left on the top of my head, as it has been pulled out!  :)

Specifically, the modification of dropping the knees until one develops the strength to move through this transition smoothly.  I suspect it's a pride thing.  They don't want to appear weak by using the knees to do a push up.  Although this is rarely, if ever admitted.

Not to get lost down the rabbit hole of psychoanalysis, I'll just stay on point with the details mentioned in this video.  If you come to Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga practice, like many do, being a little upper body strength challenged, be patient, be humble, be playful.  If you practice consistently, there will be improvement sooner than you might think.  

But please don't let fear of looking foolish (pride), keep you from practicing!  As I watch my parents get older, I am constantly reminded of the value of maintaining the skill of being able to pick one's self up off the floor, and what happens if you let it go.   

Get to class.  Surround yourself with others who are working on what it is that you want to achieve, as well as inspirational role models, who are where you want to be.

Keep going.

​Jason

The video above is a demonstration of a polished entrance and exit from Bhujapidasana resulting from many years of Ashtanga practice. 

​Here is an example of stepping into Bhujapidasana.

Both transitions still take time to develop in which the hardest part is consistently showing up week after week.

See you in class!

Jason

In this video I demonstrate Bridge Pose, Paschimottanasana, and Knees to Ears Pose, a combination or sequence of postures that are often linked together in class.  In Vinyasa (breathing and moving) practice, every movement to and from each posture has an inhale or exhale associated with it as well as keeping the deep rhythm of breathing whilst in the postures themselves.

The entire practice is a breathing exercise with movement matched to it, which demands deliberate action and concentration, building a strong mind body connection and over time revealing and settling the many fluctuations of the mind.

I won't even mention how many hours it may take to scratch the surface of this depth of practice, just that it is well worth the investment of time.

Keep going.

Jason


To read a previous post discussing Paschimottanasana click here.

To watch a video tutorial going over Paschimottanasana and more, or to receive hands on guidance by enrolling in our classes locally click on the buttons below.

One of my favourite postures.  Tree Pose / Vrksasana.  Simple but not easy.  Stand on one foot, keep taking deep breaths and pay attention so that you don't fall over.  And if you do?  Let it go and start over.  Better next time.

Keep going.

~ Jason

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To read a previous post discussing Tree Pose / Vrksasana click here.

To watch a video tutorial going over Tree Pose or to receive hands on guidance by enrolling in our classes locally click on the buttons below.

Here is a demonstration of lifting the legs to and from Head Stand / Sirsasana.  Starting to work on headstand requires  having developed the strength in the arms and shoulders to support the body and this lifting and lowering of the legs requires descent core strength.  One does not just jump into headstand...it takes time to develop.  Be patient.

Keep going.

~ Jason

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To read a previous blog post discussing developing Head Stand / Sirsasana click here.
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To watch a video tutorial going over Head Stand / Sirsasana or to receive hands on guidance by enrolling in our classes locally click on the buttons below.

This video is a demonstration of what Boat Pose / Navasana will look like after after a few (or more) years of consistent deliberate practice.

Jacks of all trades master nothing.  Stick with it.  Things don't change by leaps and bounds.  It's little by little, week by week and month after month of consistently practicing to be a little bit better than you were yesterday.  Then 12 or 24 months later you see that you've done something that the former you thought was impossible.  

Keep going.

​~ Jason


To read a previous blog post discussing developing Boat Pose click here.

To watch a video tutorial going over Boat Pose or to receive hands on guidance by enrolling in our classes locally click on the buttons below.
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