The Importance of Modifications

Our bodies speak to us in a delicate intellectual medium of chemical reactions within the body.  Yoga gets your focus tapped into how your body feels while it strengthens, lengthens and heals the mind body breath connection.  Each time we step to our mat the body is in a different place than it was ever before.   Some times you need to give your body comfort other times it needs to be pushed.  Modifications in practice are essential to give your body the tailored practice that is safest and most beneficial.  When we step into the studio all judgment is released to find growth and peace.  Our mat, blocks, a strap, the wall can be used to better our alignment and practice.

"When I make modifications in class I find it encourages others to ease up and make the modifications that are right for them." Alice - Employee at Mt Pleasant Hot Yoga

Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana - Half Bound Lotus Standing

Stand in Tadasana (Mountain)

Inhale raise one leg from the floor, bend the knee keeping the foot flexed and rest the sole of the foot on the left thigh. 

Hold the foot with the hand. 

For a deeper stretch hold the foot with the hand on the same side. Inhale lengthen the spine, exhale bend the torso forward placing the hand on the floor and keeping the head up.

Breathe.

On an exhale rest the head.

On an inhale, slowly lift your head followed with a long flat spine reaching to the sky. Slowly unbind the leg.

Breathe. Repeat on the opposite side.

If the foot cannot be grabbed by the other arm a strap may help to gain flexibility. If hand cannot reach the floor a block may help you achieve stability in the forward fold. 

Adzuki Bean Burger on Thai Peanut Mediterranean Couscous

What a quick and easy meal with all of the delicousness!

Hilary's Green Chili & Cumin Adzuki Bean Burger on organic mediterranean couscous, broccoli, orange pepper, and shallots in a creamy thai peanut sauce; San-j Thai Peanut Marinade, organic heavy whipping cream, and chipotle powder. Lastly an avocado on the side.  Yum! 

Burgers:

Warm in the oven at 400 degrees for 5 minutes

Couscous:

Warm broccoli, orange pepper, shallot in a skillet for 5 minutes then add the thai peanut sauce.

In another pan cook the couscous in water for 10 minutes.  Drain if there is excess water. 

Add the veggies. Mix in chipotle powder, a little cream, and more marinade if needed.  

Plate and enjoy!

Benefits of Balasana - Child's Pose

Balasana - Child's Pose

This pose gently stretches the hips, thighs, ankles and lower back.  Calming the brain and breath this posture helps to relieve stress and fatigue. Bringing conscious breath to the back of the torso it also provides an excellent opportunity to lengthen and widen the spine.  

Begin on all fours in table pose (bharmanasana) keeping hands directly under shoulders and knees directly under hips.  Touch your big toes together and separate your knees.  With an exhale lay your torso between your thighs and sit onto your heels. With the breath broaden your sacrum and lengthen the tailbone across the back of your pelvis while narrowing your hip points toward the navel. 

Breathe.

On an inhale lengthen the torso and lift from the tailbone replacing the hands under the shoulders returning to table.

Modifications: If there is difficulty sitting onto the heels protect the ankles by staying on the toes. 

Variations: Put the arms by your side with palms up to release the shoulders.

Keep the knees together.

Benefits of Vrksasana - Tree

Vrksansana - Tree

This pose tones the leg muscles and gives one a sense of balance and poise. Assisting the body in establishing pelvic stability, stabilizing and enhancing our root chakra; the energy center of support, security, and safety.  It also strengthens the sciatic nerve and the arches of the feet beneficial for those with sciatica or dropped arches.

Begin standing in Tadasana - Mountain 

Bend one leg at the knee and place the right heel on the other leg. Rest the foot on the thigh, calf or on the floor with the toes pointing downwards.  Balance on the leg, join the palms and raise the arms straight over the head. 

Breathe.

Lower the arms and separate the palms, straighten the right leg and stand again in Tadasana. 

Breathe.

Repeat the posture on the other leg.