In this video, I’m going to break down Mayurasa – Peacock Pose – from Ashtanga Yoga’s Intermediate series.
In this tutorial we are going to get into it a little differently than we would if we’re doing the vinyasa count in Ashtanga. Typically, we start from Samasthiti – Standing Pose- but today we are going to focus on how to be in the posture, with a few tips to help you out.
Tip #1: Keep your arms together
While this is really difficult, it makes a huge difference during the posture.
Follow along with the video and do this: Start by placing the outer edges of the hands together so they touch. Make sure your fingers are pointing toward the back of the mat. Now, bring your legs forward and snuggle your arms together using your thighs.
Tip #2: Find the Sweet Spot for your elbows
For me, it is just below the navel. To help get the elbows there, curl the tailbone under and shift your weight forward. Once the elbows are in the right spot, try to sink the weight of your body onto them to lock them into position.
Tip #3: Shift to lift
Don’t just try to lift everything at once. Start by lifting and extending through the chin. Then, keeping the legs straight and together, come up onto the tips of the toes.
You can take some time here, and just practicing shifting the weight forward and backward before even lifting the feet. Really feel the weight sinking into the elbows.
Tip #4: Try to arch your back
Keeping the chin up, and chest forward, create an arch in the back, engage your legs, and point the toes to lift the feet off the ground.
Alright, let’s put it all together. Try it with me!
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