Finishing Poses Series for Advanced Class students in All Levels classes

So, in All Levels classes I usually say something like: "If there are any poses you like to finish with, take your time."

Perhaps some suggestions would be helpful.

First of all, in closing practice it's nice to open up the flow of energy deeply, so spinal undulations are a good first step towards closing. This can be done in fairly basic ways, to your taste -- you've got a lot of options from practice over the last year! -- but the two most powerful spinal movements -- if they are appropriate for your body and reasonably accessible! -- are Viparita Chakrasana and Mandalasana. Variations of Viparita Chakrasana and Mandalasana are possible in all of the inversions: Shoulderstand, Headstand, Forearm Stand, Handstand, and Chin Stand. Choose the pose that's ideal for you, and find your edge. Or, do gentler versions of circular and linear spinal movement in more basic poses, to stimulate energetic flow before the final poses.

Mandalasana in Headstand (Sirsasana):


Viparita Chakrasana in Handstand (Adho Mukha Vrksasana):

(note that Chakrasana as a backward somersault has similar energetic effects, and is of course far easier to accomplish)

Alternatively, the opening of this contortion routine is a sort of Chakrasana...


Following up the poses involving movement, there are several yoga poses that have nothing to do with the mobilities of the body, really, but are essential for various psycho-energetic reasons. In a later post, I'll write more about the reasons for each of these particular incredibly important poses, but they are (in the order I prefer them):

1. Unsupported Shoulderstand II (Niralamba Sarvangasana II)
2. Unsupported Headstand (Niralamba Sirsasana)
3. Nauli / Full Uddiyana Bandha
4. Peacock Pose (Mayurasana)
5. Corpse Pose (Savasana)

Niralamba Sarvangasana (it's the 4th pose in the Iyengar Shoulderstand Cycle, about one minute in):


Niralamba Sirsasana (Dharma Mittra doing the approach):


Nauli / Full Uddiyana Bandha:


Mayurasana / Peacock Pose:


Savasana / Corpse Pose:


The full list, then:
0. Spinal movement
1. Niralamba Sarvangasana II
2. Niralamba Sirsasana
3. Nauli / Uddiyana Bandha
4. Mayurasana
5. Savasana

namaste,
jamie
Kundalini Vinyasa Yoga classes
Yoga Tree / Yoga Flow Castro, Gold's Gym Castro, Grace Cathedral, and James Howell Studio
san francisco
california

PLEASE COMMENT!