Migi's Yoga Sadhana

I would know if a student can bind. https://www.instagram.com/p/CeF0bm4vLNTUsZ3lqOTpvIdtCJmV3F4vrpdZNc0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Don't be shy; I would love to hear what you wanted to say. 😊❤️ (at University of the Philippines Los Baños) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdDin1rPTEi52UMyK1hn4aHHPd9cFCxXXdIa5E0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

There is always magic in a face-to-face class. P.s. the yoga class always has a photographer to document the session, because this is a regular health and wellness activity for the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. it was actually weird and uncomfortable for me especially in the first few sessions, but then i got the hang of it. I'm loving it now 😉😊😁❤️ https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc0W_9Mvoxs4ozylo0CF36yFkKVMbO2cpIFlVs0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Yoganidrasana is an easier version of two-legs behind the head asana. This is much easier than supta kurmasana and most especially than dwi pada sirsasana. You have the floor to support you when putting the legs behind, which is different than when doing the supta k or the dwi pada which are approached in a seated position. However this posture is still a very challenging one because basically it is a leg-behind-the-head posture which requires hip flexibility, strong upper back, stable breathing technique, and engaged strong core. Those elements need to work altogether. Don't force yourself to do this asana if eka pada sirsasana is still not applicable; or if prior leg behind asanas are not yet established. Most importantly, work/study with a knowledgeable and experienced teacher-practitioner. Get your guidance first-hand from the real ones. #ashtanga #yoga #yogahomepractice #practicemakesprogress #yoganidrasana #intermediateseries #yogamotivation #yogainspiration https://www.instagram.com/p/CETp1n9j5r0/?igshid=1jk5fw4zqrqjv

Asanas are meant to have a purpose. The reason why i fell in love with ashtanga yoga is because the practice of asana becomes the gateway for experiencing the other limbs of yoga. Moreover the asanas were intelligently created to build the foundation for a sustainable yoga practice. Moreover it cleanses the body as it recognizes the body as the sacred sanctuary of our soul and spirit — the life given to us. In addition, the asana practice protects the body from fast deterioration. This may be the scientific basis why most yogis seem to preserve and possess a youthful energy. The asanas provide tangible benefits to those who practice them; and ashtanga yoga is home to the most extreme (asanas that will stretch your limits past full potential) postures that exists. With that said, do not be intimidated or scared. This method of yoga practice can be practiced by anyone. Find a teacher that can show you the path to enlightenment; trust that teacher and surrender; and from there, just enjoy the journey.

There are times when the in-betweens are much more difficult and more challenging than those found at the end of the spectrums. The same is experienced with this asana: setu bandhasana which is not a deep backbend but requires so much strength and knowledge of technique for safe execution. This posture is not always taught in many flow or vinyasa classes because the pose requires experience and clear understanding of the dynmics of the asana. So my take on this is we need to find a mentor. A teacher. Self-study is always welcome however there are so many valuable things we can learn from learned people that can supplement our self-study and complement our self-exploration. These teachers are there to help us and guide us along our journey. They also form the credibility within us. When someone asks you: how did you learn that? It would be beautiful to answer: “I learned it from my teacher.”

Leg behind the head postures are one of the trademark poses of ashtanga and it requires a deep forward fold and a deep external rotation of hip joints. What i can recommend to beginners is not to force into doing this posture. Your body needs time to open up and become stronger. So just be consistent and persistent with your practice. We don’t want to injure ourselves. Remember that we do yoga to heal and not the other way around. Stay safe everyone.

This pandemic has brought me to accept what i have at the moment. I began to accept the space i have at the apartment; even if it is not perfectly desirable or best, i learned to make use of it for my regular ashtanga yoga practice. At first i cannot imagine myself practicing with so much little space; i was used to practice with the studio all to my self where jumping throughs and jumping backs are carefree, and falling from handstands and other inversions are not an issue. But with the pandemic, everything changed. However, if there is one thing that will not change or stop, it is my ashtanga yoga practice. I need to continue practicing no matter the situation. I realized how lucky i am to have this little space. It taught me to be grateful, resourceful, and to be resilient. And with this, I hope you too find your inspiration to continue with your practice, most importantly to continue with your life.