Patience Young Grasshopper

Grasshopper Arm Balance

To be completely honest, the first time I saw this posture, I thought: How the hell did that leg get there?!  Well, I've figured out one variation that is relatively simple once broken down.  Of course, there are other ways to come into this posture; if you have one you prefer, go for it and have fun!

Before trying this posture, please warm up.  Grasshopper requires flexibility, strength, balance, and above all a positive attitude.  Once you are ready, I recommend you begin by moving into a twist with the foot on the back of the humerus (as I did in the video).  Only transition into the arm balance once you can get your foot on the back of the arm.  This is why it is so important to warm up the hips, hamstrings, wrists, shoulders, core, and everything else before the posture.

Also, you may notice that before moving into the balance I lift my hips and adjust my hands on the mat in order to find the best distribution of weight.  Keep your gaze beyond your fingertips, gradually shifting the gaze to the left/right side.  Squeeze your elbows close to the body (Chaturanga arms).  Keep the elbows around a 90 degree angle in order to act as a shelf for the foot.  And voilà...maybe.  

Remember, to be patient if a posture doesn't work on the first try.  Don't give up and don't become frustrated.  Yoga is about practice, not perfection :)

Happy Saturday!

It was a little windy and a lot chilly outside today, but any day spent at the beach is fine by me.  I did a few poses before the cold got to me...

King Pidgeon (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)

One-Legged Balance (Eka Pada Galavasana)

Tripod Headstand Variation (Sirsasana)

These poses are by no means perfect, they are just a part of my practice.  Some postures come easily for me, others take more time and patience to achieve, such as tripod head stand.  During meditation today I reminisced back to my first few yoga experiences, particularly the things I found difficult that now come easily.  One of my biggest yogic achievements has been harnessing my Ocean-Sounding breath, Ujjayi pranayama; a feat that took me two years.  Sometimes, the simplest things can be made difficult by our egos.  For this reason, I find it important to remind myself daily to smile, breath, and go slowly.  It's not how hard you fall, but how fast you get back up (I'm not trying to take credit for this quote, I'm just unsure of who actually said it).

Have a great Saturday!

"One must maintain a little bit of summer even in the middle of winter" -Henry David Thoreau

Standing Split Balance (Urdhva Prasarita Eka Padasana)
For a balancing challenge in this posture, try bringing your hands to the ankle or prayer position

So far, it's been a cold January. It's good to remind yourself that Spring is just around the corner...

My best solution for the winter-time blues: take a hot yoga class and during meditation and Shavasana imagine yourself relaxing on the beach.