One of our first assignments was to have a friend take pictures of us in ten key anansas (postures/poses.) We will take the same pictures again after training.
I dreaded this assignment, mostly because I prefer being behind the camera, rather than in front. I was also recovering from a nasty case of poison oak. I had rashes on my skin, hadn’t moved in a week, and was on prednisone, which causes me to eat constantly…
Tadasana: Mountain Pose. I don’t feel great about this one. Something’s going on from shoulders to core that needs refinement. I will also say that I’d like to pack a little more junk in the trunk. Purely because a strong booty makes for a healthier back…and looks pretty great, too.
Adho Mukha Svanasana: Down Dog. I’ve come a long way with this one, especially being able to pull in my belly and let my armpits and space between the shoulder blades “melt” towards the floor.
Utkatasana: Chair Pose. Yikes. This pose is the one I’m least confident about. My lower back is too curved and tailbone should be more tucked. Chest should be more lifted.
Virabhadrasana I: Warrior I. I have come a long way in this pose by not arching my lower back (pulling my ribs in) and working on flexibility in my hips by squaring them toward the front and tightening the glutes in the back leg. I would like to get a bit lower…
Viparita Vira: Reverse Warrior. I love this pose, too, but am mindful not to overarch my back, which is why I tuck my back hand behind it instead of letting it travel down my back leg.
Trikonasana: Triangle Pose. I love the challenge of this pose, but have seen so many different ways to get into it and versions of the final pose that I don’t feel secure in it.
Ardha Chandrasana: Half Moon. When I nail this one with steady confidence, it’s the best feeling. When I wobble and miss it, it’s the worst. I should be pushing through the lifted heel (foot flexed) and the standing toes should be pointed forward. I’d love to get the lift of looking up at the raised hand.
Breath. Posture. Cue. 
2 thoughts on “Ten Postures: Before”