Study Points for the Yoga Pose of the Month: Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)

Yoga pose of the month:  Let’s study Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) this month.  Take this month to spend time in this pose, teach it to your students, bring it into your practice, and bring on a deeper sense of reflection on it.  Here are some ideas for you to consider:

1. How does it feel to have your knees further apart?  Closer together?  Pressing your knees together?  How does the pose change?
2. Where do you feel the resistance to moving more deeply?  Can you use your breath to deepen the pose?
3. Does your lower back feel congested?  If so, what you can do to alleviate the congestion?
4. Can you lift your upper body more?  Your legs?  Where does the work come from?

If you are a teacher, challenge yourself to teach this pose in each class this month.  Add this component:  Can you find something new to teach (and learn)?