Dynamics of Pasasana

[Guest guest]

Hi all!

 

I've been practicing Ashtanga for > 6 years. I'm trying to focus more

on my intermediate practice, but I have this huge mental block because

I'm still struggling with pasasana. I can get my heels on the floor if

I have assistance, but I still feel like I'm going to lose my balance

and fall over backwards. I was putting a rolled up yoga rug under my

heels for a while, but it's definitely become a crutch.

 

Can anyone explain the dynamics of the pose to me? I'd also like to

hear your opinions on which is better - using the rug so I can get the

bind, or keeping my hands in prayer position so I can get my heels on

the floor (I've done this a few times, but my butt is no where near my

heels). I'm not sure if this will help diagnose my problem, but I

probably should mention that I also run (4 1/2 miles, 3 times a week),

and I seriously hurt my lower back last year while lifting up in Eka

Pada Sirsasana (although I struggled with Pasasana even before then).

Thanks to everyone in advance!

[Guest guest]

This is a most difficult pose for an adult person who¹s not Indian or

Chinese... I have yet to meet a broad chested and/or thick thighed indian

or chinese person... We just have to face it that not all poses can be done

with a western built body... Do the modifications, and be happy with them.

Well, you could also lose a lot of weight so that you become terribly skinny

and lose most of your muscle-body then yes, you¹ll be able to do all the

poses... but until then (if ever/ if it is worth it) be happy with as much

as you can do and take the differences in body constitution in

consideration... So my suggestion is to do the modification with rolled up

mat. You¹ll get more benefit from the pose if you twist your body as much as

you can, and at the same time also moderately stretch Achilles tendons then

just stretching the Achilles tendons praying for god¹s help ))

 

Love and light,

diana

[Guest guest]

Hi!

 

I don't have any helpful suggestions. I just wanted

to tell you that you are not alone. Pasasana is not

my friend. I'm trying to become friends with it, but

it's been almost two years now. I can get my heals on

the floor, no problem. But I can't get my hands

together (without assistance). The most disheartening

thing was that a Mysore teacher once took away my

other poses claiming that I could get Pasasana " within

a month. " No luck. I got my other poses back and

still no pasasana. I may never have it, and that's ok

with me.

 

So, be brave! Keep practicing!