Sometimes Props are Called For

After publishing my little diatribe yesterday, where I insisted that props are not for me, I attended two yoga classes - and both used props.

And used them well.

In the first class, we did half-moon pose with and without a block for stability. I like the pose both ways, but, honestly, I prefer it with the block. My flow of energy from head to extended foot is better when I am parallel to the ground.

A gifted Iyengar teacher runs the second class. We spent 10 minutes fussing around with attaching straps to each upper thigh. Then we spent at least 40 minutes using those straps as handles to pull our thighs and femurs around toward each other to align in Tadasana. By standing on a third strap and pulling against it with our hands, we also focused on moving the shoulder blades well down the back while lifting the chest and abdomen.

Lovely alignment. Strenuous working. Over and over and over.

I feel the results today.

One thing I really appreciate about the Iyengar-style is the attention to detail. It's like the Japanese Haiku form of yoga. You may not do many poses, but you pay attention to the alignment of each muscle and bone in the few you do during class.

And, yes, the props are essential.

It's good to be flexible in both our bodies - and our opinions.




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**The lovely illustration above is actually a greeting card sold by Siamese Dreams. I came across their line of gorgeous yoga inspired cards while searching for graphics. You can find them at their website www. siamese-dreams.com or by calling 1-888-243-6816. This text accompanied the card:

HALF MOON POSE (ARDHA CHANDRASANA)
Chandra is the golden moon god also known as Soma. This Soma is the elixir of immortality drunk by the gods. The posture of adha chandrasana (half moon pose) celebrates the waxing and waning of the moon and the cyclic nature of life. In this image of a woman practicing beneath the moon we remember the powerful unconscious forces that the moon energy symbolizes. She gains strength from the moon as she balances upon one leg. Her arms help guide her as she moves sideways. Through the line of both arms she links earth to sky and basks in the warm glow of the full moon.

Stubborn

I am so stubborn. Sometimes this is a good trait. I have reaped rewards during my life simply through my sheerly obstinate ability to hang on to something going against me until it shifts to being my way. Other times, my hard-headedness works against me.

During yoga, I always want to do everything myself, without any props. I’m not sure why. I suppose I feel like there is something more natural about yoga with just my own body. Props feel like taking a shortcut.

There’s no good reason why I would feel this. I certainly have experienced lovely and helpful alterations to poses through the judicious use of props. Bolsters do support my knees and relax my back. That yoga block does let me reach more assuredly in Trikasana without crimping into my ribs. In addition, there are quite a few hands-behind-my-back poses that I can’t do without a strap. At least, not do well.

I don’t look down on anybody else for using props.

Perhaps I am afraid that if I get used to them, they may not be there when I need them. My own body will always be with me.

All I know is that when the teacher tells us, “You can get a bolster to make you more comfortable,” I never go and get one.

I just want to get on with the pose with my own limbs, my mat, and the floor.

Because I’m stubborn.

(Written 1-15-08)