"More than Stretching" ~ Erica R.

Transformative Pose: Ardha Chandrasana, Half Moon

When I first discovered yoga, my expectation was to get the extra stretching that I wasn't getting from running. I thought of it as merely rounding out my exercise routine. I had no idea that yoga touched on breathing, mental focus, and spiritual centering when I started. Or that those feelings of focus, well-being, and clarity would stay with me even after leaving a session.

I have come to greatly appreciate the meditative benefits of deep breathing. By learning to quiet my mind I feel like I have tapped into an inner well of patience towards an appreciation for the world. It has allowed me to be more patient with myself and others. I know now that being still and breathing can help me through a tough situation just as effectively as it does through a tough pose.

When I learned to tuck my tailbone, my yoga experience changed completely. My very arched, small of my back has always made proper alignment a challenge for me, but that one adjustment has made all the difference. Now poses (like Chair and Warrior I) are possible and it helps me to engage my body in poses like tadasana and downward dog. I now even approach waiting for the train or the elevator as an opportunity to practice proper alignment and make it part of my everyday routine.

One of the things i really like, is the way you offer direction. Not just adjusting, but when there needs to be an adjustment you explain how it should feel, which works well for self adjustments. And your general attentiveness to work at our comfort level, but still challenging us to push through it.

Half moon (Ardha Chandrasana) is my transformative pose. I was pleasantly surprised the first time I got into the pose. For someone with asthma, I actually felt my lungs get full of air and strong! This pose gives me great relief when I'm feeling short of breath. It is very empowering to feel confident and grounded in such a difficult balancing pose.

It's also been great to share this with my husband, especially as he's beginning to develop an awareness of his body, and health. Moving forward, I hope to gain strength in my core and flexibility in my legs and hips. I also hope to learn to connect with my heart and become more focused through meditation.

*Student since Jan 09, Partner & Private Bi-Monthly Sessions