CLAUDIA, PRISON
YOGA
&
The class begins under fluorescent lights that cannot be turned off, on a usually cold tile/cement floor, on a variety of worn out or stained mats, with students scattered around tables and benches bolted to the floor. The population frequently changes, new students appear weekly, classes might be small (10-15) or large (up to 35); ability can vary from A-Z. At least once during the class, no matter what is happening, everyone has to count off. During a recent class, an exterminator with a tank and a wand wandered through. The students intently observe any distraction, the rules are cardinal, and students are hyper-alert to unusual sounds, changes, footsteps. Startling to me at first, but now a common occurrence, students often get up and leave throughout the duration of the class. Perhaps most challenging, in this class touching of anyone is not allowed. This is the setting for the weekly class I teach at the Northwest Arkansas Women’s Community Corrections Center (NWACCC), a women’s prison in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
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Coming off the wall (video A, see
Start in a kneeling position and walk back up the wall until the hands are about 10 inches away from the wall and set the rib cage and the shoulders in an organized, stable position. Point the toes and extend the legs out of the hips. Bring one leg off of the wall by extending through its hip without losing the alignment that you initially organized. Bring the other leg off the wall and try to catch just a few seconds of stability in the free-standing handstand. Then gently allow both feet to go back to the wall together. Repeat with the other leg, making sure to rest enough between your attempts so that each one is fresh. Begin to pay close attention to the way the hands function in keeping your balance: overbalancing,
Look to your foundation where you want to start building from. Extend down to the feet and feel the eveness on both sides . Feet and legs are pushing down to the earth to lift us tall.
Establishing the Foundations of Standing Poses
Part 1 ~ In this video series Dustin works through the foundations of basic sequencing for common asana and positioning found in western Hatha yoga. Using postural alignment and energetic verbal cues, he leads you through a simple practice accessible to anyone in reasonable health. The physical awareness cues in themselves are worth listening to even if you decide that you don't have the time to do the practice itself.