ASANA PRACTICE | Susie Blackie Yoga

SOME YOGA ASANAS

Despite small changes in the vinyasas or differences in teaching methodology, the central tenets
of breath, bandhas and drishti remain at the core of our practice

The Yoga ASANAS

The asana practice involves many variations; however I would like to introduce the basic asanas so that the knowledge built can be taken to any studio, shala or ashram so that the variations can begin to be approached. In class we learn Suryanamaskar (sun salute); this involves many basic postures: Tadasana (mountain), Uttanasana (forward fold), Kumbhakasana (plank), Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward facing dog), Bhujangasana (cobra) etc. There are the warrior poses Virabadrasana, Trikonasana (triangle) and many more. To be added to

During asana practice the whole body is toned, strengthened, flexed, stretched and twisted.

Asanas work on many body systems at the same time, creating suppleness in the spine and joints, toning muscles, glands and organs. Although the physical aspect will affect you more strongly when you start, as you progress you will become more aware of the flow of vital energy - prana - and the importance of correct breathing - pranayama. Gaining a knowledge of how prana and asana complement each other, starts to bring us nearer to understanding the Sanskrit word Yoga and its meaning and translation: Union: body, mind and spirit

Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.

Shanti Virabhadrasana Peaceful warrior	Virabhadrasana 3 Warrior 3, part of the warrior sequence	Natarajasana Lord of the Dance pose	Vasisthasana Side plank pose Vasisthasana
Parsvottanasana Side Intense Stretch pose	Prasarita Padottanasana Wide leg forward fold	Urdhva Dhanurasana Upward bow pose variation	Urdhva Dhanurasana Upward bow pose variation
Dhanurasana Bow pose	Kurmasana Tortoise pose	Gomukhasana Cow face pose with Garudasana (Eagle) arms	Susie Blackie Yoga Siromani (teacher) North West London_edited Half Lotus Toe Balance, a work in progress!
Chaturanga Dandasana Four limb staff pose, yoga push-up or low plank	Matsyasana Fish pose with lotus legs	Susie Blackie Yoga Sivananda Ashram, Orleans, France	Susie Blackie Teaching Beginner yoga class
Tri Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana Students and teacher	Drushti with Garudasana Arms Focus