DETAIL + DEPTH | In my experience, coming into a pose is harder than being in a pose, which is harder than coming out of a pose. Coming into a pose requires nuance and attention in order to achieve pose form. The pose itself, while presenting its own challenges, tends to be static or held (isometric), and once there, just has to be maintained. Exiting a pose tends to be the least conscious; we often allow ourselves to pop or fall out of difficult poses, especially when we can use the assistance of gravity or recoil (e.g. arm balances, bound twists). These Supine Lotus Lifts prepare the body to both come into and out of the full pose, Side Lotus Pose in Sarvangasana. This video also demonstrates how to come into full lotus on the back, which can be easier than in a seated pose. Come onto the back for Figure 4 by bringing the outer ankle to the opposite thigh. Use the help of the hand to slide the outer foot as close to the hip crease as possible. Tighten the hamstrings and quadriceps of the Half Lotus Leg to stabilize the knee, and reach the knee back and down toward the floor. This will create space for the second lotus leg. Straighten the second leg, externally rotate it, and bend the knee. Slide the outer ankle to the first leg and use the help of the hands to slide the foot down to the hip crease. If possible, tighten the pose and draw both knees toward each other. Stay and breathe. Next, take a deep inhale. With an exhale, stabilize the entire core and lower the knees toward or to the floor. Inhale, lift the legs. Continue with the breath 5-10 times, and be mindful of keeping the low back as neutral as possible as the knees lower to the floor. Lift the pelvic floor and engage the core to do this. Repeat on the second side. © 2018 Ellen Huang Saltarelli Props by @shophalfmoon #detailanddepth #alignmentyoga#yogaalignment #Yoga #yogaprops #yogavideo #propyourpose #yogapractice#yogaeverydamnday#practiceandalliscoming #iyengaryoga #shoulderstand #sarvangasana #restorativeyoga #lotuspose #padmasana #parsvaurdhvapadmasana #sidelotuspose #chestopener #iyengaryoga #yogaforeverybody (at Eagle Rock, Los Angeles) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnEMsx3gAh7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=od4xchzc7jss
