Guest guest Posted June 7, 2002 Report Share Posted June 7, 2002 I, too, have difficulty with this position when I am doing it on my own. It is at this time that I have to truly focus on the dristi (usually a spot on the wall) and fully concentrate on my breathing and locking my bandhas. Then and only then can I do the pose. I do at times (when I am practicing at home) use an object to rest my leg on for support. I make sure that it is higher then I can do myself and this helps me with strengthening my standing leg. My teacher encourages that when I am on my own. Hang in there, it will come. Namaste > > n. depas [sMTP:depasn] > Thursday, June 06, 2002 9:48 PM > ashtanga yoga > ashtanga yoga question... > > I need help and I will take any advice that anyone can lend. I have an > extremely difficult time balancing, especially in extended hand to big toe > posture. Previously my yoga instructors said to focus on a drishti that > was stable and not moving, that worked and as long as I didn't take my > eyes off of the object, I could balance. This doesn't seem to be working > with this posture, not to mention standing bound half lotus. What am I > doing wrong...or not doing at all. Anyone with suggestions, please let me > know. > > > > > Sign-up for Video Highlights of 2002 FIFA World Cup > > > > > > ashtanga yoga > > > > Terms of Service > <>. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 8, 2002 Report Share Posted June 8, 2002 I focus on a spot on the wall in front of me when the leg is in front, and to the side when the leg is to the side. I found my balance improved when a good teacher explained the posture to me fully. This isn't a posture where you lift the leg using the quads/hips, as you would think. What you need to do is pull the leg downwards using the hamstrings and oppose this pull by pulling it upwards with the arms (although it is really coming from the shoulder as it rolls back). Difficult to explain, but I hope you'll get what I mean. This creates a sort of triangle between your torso, arm and leg -- if your balance starts to go, bend your extended knee slightly rather than bending the leg you are standing on or wobbling from side to side. This sort of feels like a bow to me, with your extended leg being the bow itself and the arm being the bowstring which is always taught. Hope that doesn't sound too weird ;-) In standing half-bound lotus I look ahead also, but my hips are too tight and put a lot of pressure on my knees so I don't bind yet. I think if you reach the bind & bend stage you should focus on a point on the floor. Let us know if any of the advice works for you. Cheers, Scott n. depas [depasn] 07 June 2002 02:48 ashtanga yoga ashtanga yoga question... I need help and I will take any advice that anyone can lend. I have an extremely difficult time balancing, especially in extended hand to big toe posture. Previously my yoga instructors said to focus on a drishti that was stable and not moving, that worked and as long as I didn't take my eyes off of the object, I could balance. This doesn't seem to be working with this posture, not to mention standing bound half lotus. What am I doing wrong...or not doing at all. Anyone with suggestions, please let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 14, 2002 Report Share Posted June 14, 2002 I just wanted to tell all of you that posted suggestions for help for my balancing problems... thanks. The postures are getting have gotten easier if I am focus on a stable object like you suggested. But I'm sure the key is practice...thanks again for all of your suggestions. Sign-up for Video Highlights of 2002 FIFA World Cup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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