KB’s Favorite Playful Transition
Our May theme at Haus of Phoenix is PLAY — that glorious freedom we feel when we drop the story and need to fulfill the expectations of others. All of our May Haus Yoga/Movement and Meditation Mondays are all filled with whimsy (what an underused word!), so I thought I’d stir the blog pot (the blog pot?!) with one of my favorite playful transitions from downward facing dog to standing. These moves can be used to enter any standing postures. Use it when you want to add a little spice to your flow, or simply, anytime you want to stop taking yourself so seriously. PLAYTIME!
Looking for more play in your life, or simply want to feel good? Our Feel Good Program is 1/2 off (six 20 minute practices for only $20) for the month of May! These are the perfect bite-size classes aimed to launch you over the joy gap.
Step One: Begin in downward facing dog. Lift your right leg into the air, taking a moment to extend fully. (Note: If you want to step forward with your right leg, start by lifting your left. You always begin with the opposite leg of the side you want to enter.)
Step Two: Shift your shoulders over the heels of your hands as you draw your right knee into your chest. Do a gentle rounding of your upper back as if you wanted to blow your knee a kiss.
Step Three: Gaze to the left and kick your right leg straight out to the side, landing on the pinky edge of your foot aka Rockstar. Pivot onto the big-toe edge of your back foot. Anchor into the sole of your rear foot as you press the ground with your right palm. Lift the hips and reach your left arm up to the sky.
Step Four: Bend your back knee deeply, pulling your energy toward the back of your mat. Keep your gaze forward, seeing where you want that back foot to land. Keep a strong line of energy in your right leg.
Step Five: Pressing into your right hand, use a bit of momentum to launch your left leg over the hurdle of your right. Step your left foot to the upper lefthand corner of your mat. Left arm continues to reach upward the entire time.
Step Six: Swing your right leg back and toward the right edge of your mat, landing on the ball of your right foot. Make sure your feet are hip width apart and then sweep your arms up into crescent pose.
Step Seven: Go wild! Stay in crescent, launch into warrior three, open up into warrior ii — remember the key word: PLAY!