Outside of the performing arts, where it has had a strong influence for many years, the Alexander Technique is not so well known, certainly not as well-known as Yoga. Developed by F. M. Alexander over a hundred years ago, the Technique is a method of kinesthetic re-education that will help you identify patterns of poor […]

(Photo by Gina de la Chesnaye) I came to Yoga in my mid-twenties suffering from anxiety and the effects of stress as a result of my job. I was working at the time as an assistant in the acting department at a boutique talent agency in New York. My work environment was aggressive and competitive. At […]

Q. “Do you have general suggestions for people with more flat thoracic and neck in headstand? I am a long time practitioner. Any comments would be helpful. Thank you! Lori”   A. Hi, Lori: I would say think about the way you are placing your head on the floor and using your head, neck and […]

This intermediate forward bend practice begins with standing poses to wake up the hips and legs and establish the relationship between the legs and the torso. Props are used to help define and open the front of the hip crease, creating separation between the legs and torso. Then come inversions, in which the legs are used to lift and support the torso, creating torso/leg separation in a different way. Single leg variations in Shoulder Stand are included to work with the relationship of the legs to the hips once again. Finally, simple seated forward bends are practiced, with and without props to explore the leg/hip relationship.

The practice begins with seated poses to wake up the ankles, feet and knees. It follows with reclined poses to stretch out the backs of the legs and to open the hips in outward rotation. After that come lateral standing poses, in which the theme of the day, the spirals in the legs and torso, can be optimally employed. It ends with restorative poses to settle and center the system.