Writing these blog posts are great reminders of the values that I hold dearly to my yoga journey and
practice. To reiterate the importance of stillness, to stay grounded and seek quiet strength, but also of
humility and devotion to practice.
I was captivated by the origins of Astavakrasana, or Eight Angle Pose which is named after the Sage,
Astavakra. Before he was born and still in his mother’s womb, the Sage had heard his father
mispronounce one of the verses of Vedas and decided to correct him. His father flew into a rage and
as a punishment, proclaimed that the Astavakra would be born with eight deformities. Despite being
bent in eight places – thus the name Asta (eight) and Vakra (bent) – the Sage prevailed to be a wise
and spiritual man despite his physical deformities and challenges. Being in Astavakrasana takes one
to a very humbling place. As an asymmetrical posture, it requires strength, balance and equilibrium. It
has been an incredibly powerful reminder of self-reflection; of devotion, humility, mindfulness and
patience in practice during my YTT.
Learning to overcome my irrational fear of inversions was one of my key goals for this YTT. Perhaps
at the root of this aversion is the act of going upside-down, losing control, and the possibility of falling.
Now being in an inversion, an asana where your head is above your heart, is strangely addictive and
energising. It requires perceptive awareness of your body – to tuck ribs, have shoulder awareness,
and engagement of the legs and lower body. An inversion ultimately builds mental strength and focus,
nurtures patience and perseverance, and asks that we be brave and trust the process. I will make it a
point before the year ends, to finally have the courage to go into Salamba Sirsasana without relying
on a wall for support.
Kim
200HR YTT Jul’21 Weekend
