Domagoj Orlic (Yoga of Heart) - Seated-Angle Postures
Domagoj Orlic (Yoga of Heart) - Some Variations of the Seated-Angle Posture Performed in Accordance with the Principles of Proper Sequencing
Domagoj Orlic, yoga teacher from Zagreb, Croatia, a student of Mark Whitwell’s, demonstrates a seated yogasana-vinyasa, or some important variations of upavishthakonasana (seated-angle posture), performed in accordance with the principles of vinyasa-krama, or intelligent/logical/effective structuring of one’s Yoga practice as conceived by the teacher of my teacher, Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya.
First the spine is stretched upwards with the fingers interlocked, which makes possible for the rib-cage to expand to the maximum and jalandhara-bandha (chin lock) to be applied properly. The next movement is a forward bend to the sides with the interlocked fingers and jalandhara-bandha in place. Then the torso, the hips and the legs are stretched sideways with a different arm movement, with the knees kept safely soft. The spine is then twisted first in the forward direction, and then in the backward direction, which is the most complex posture in the series. Immediately after that comes a counterpose, or stretching the spine forward into the middle between the legs until the head touches the ground (with jalandhara-bandha in place), which is followed with some half-static stretching and deep (ujjayi) breathing in the posture. And finally, some rest is taken in an easier forward bend with natural breathing, and with a bit of playing the edge by allowing the subtle breath to take us beyond our present limits if and to the extent IT wants to go. As a counterpose for this long stay in the middle forward band, a backward stretch is done a few times dynamically by pushing the hips upwards. The sequence is finished with some further counterposing in dandasana and ardha-pascimottanasana. The final rest is then taken in sukhasana or savasana if needed. This sequence can be done either as a peak of a longer practice preparing for it or it can be done towards the end of an even longer practice, as the last series of postures leading to (static) pranayama.
This is quite a demanding series of postures that requires a lot of experience and proper preparation. The basic prerequisite is the quality of the breath. If the postures cannot be done with the breath initiating and enveloping the movements, we are not ready to do this specific series of postures or any other posture for that matter. The idea is to receive the inhale receptively (by expanding the rib-cage in all directions) from above and exhale robustly (by contracting the base of the body) from below allowing in this way our wholehearted participation in the union of opposites that is already the case (ha-tha yoga). This is the basic principle that lies at the foundation of all asana movements understood and practiced primarily as dynamic pranayama. If the breath is strong and under control, then asanas are done in sequences (and one by one) in such a way as to allow us to explore our limitations by respecting the dual quality of stability (sthira) and comfort (sukha) in each and every asana we do. If that is the case, we are doing the Yoga that is right for us, that is we get all the benefits Yoga can give us in a particular moment of our overall harmonious human development. Something other than that either is not Yoga or is not the Yoga that is right for us.
Traditional Upavistha Konasana Yoga
If you’re looking for yoga videos that will show you the perfect way for you to start your yoga journey then Kino MacGregor’s yoga channel is perfect for you! Whether you are new to yoga or an advanced yoga student you will find a full yoga library with all the yoga postures that you need to develop a complete yoga practice. Yoga is more than just a physical practice yoga is a lifestyle that includes living a peaceful life. Living the yoga lifestyle is about yoga practice, inner peace, yoga diet and being a good person on and off your yoga mat. Kino is a yoga teacher, author of three books, international teacher, writer, blogger, online yoga class teacher, IG yoga challenge host and much more. She co-founded Miami Life Center and Miami Yoga Magazine as well as produced six Ashtanga Yoga DVDs. Practice yoga, change your world one breath at a time. Kino believes that yoga is a vehicle for each student to experience the limitless potential of the human spirit. You don’t have to be strong or flexible to begin the yoga practice, all you need is an open heart and the inspiration to practice yoga. Unroll your mat and do the practice!
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