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Entries tagged as ‘asana’
recent highlights
July 11, 2010 · Leave a Comment
recent highlights
this passed month or so i have been working non-stop at many different things, not only working at catching up to myself- but also at reviving myself…
one of the most apparent recent highlights for me is the relationship between my trip on a retreat in joshua tree with pete guinosso and the work i did for the priceless art Grant from False Profit, llc- mainly the landscape at joshua tree
and the emerging of these signals in the drawings for the Priceless installment of my project ‘Interlude:Actuate’
detail from a 6foot by 6foot (approx) piece
i knew for many reasons (that i will share in due time) that the trip and the community on the retreat had a lot to do with me moving forward in making the work- it was definitely a pleasant reflection to have it present itself physically in the work as well.
that being said-
here are some photo highlights for you… in no particular order…. enjoy!
joshua tree yoga and camping retreat with pete guinosso
http://www.yogaislife.net/yogaislife.net/Home.html
stacey rosenberg
meg!
kk ledford
http://www.facebook.com/kkledford.wildmoonwisdom
meg and lucid dawn!
Jamie and Ian!
chrisandra fox!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Francisco-CA/Chrisandra-Fox-Yoga/111789572186075?ref=ts&__a=16&
jamie and ian again!
priceless!
‘Interlude:Actuate’ at priceless!
thank you and, that's all for now
Categories: asana · asana of the month · faern · faernworks · interlude : actuate · kk / faern collaboration · mixed media · photography · yoga related
Tagged: faern, faernworks, asana, wedding, chrisandra fox, yoga, pose of the month, pete guinosso, kk, kk ledford, joshua tree, priceless, false profit llc, stacey rosenberg, namastacey, nuptuals, portrait
pose of the month is posted!
July 6, 2010 · Leave a Comment
Categories: asana · asana of the month · faernworks · photography · yoga related
Tagged: faern, faernworks, photography, asana, yoga tree s.f., chrisandra fox, yoga, pose of the month
check out this post!
June 30, 2010 · Leave a Comment
http://interlude-actuate.com/2010/06/30/interludeactuate-at-priceless-2010/
faernworks presents 'Interlude:Actuate' at Priceless, thanks to the False Profit art grant
http://interlude-actuate.com/2010/06/30/interludeactuate-at-priceless-2010/
Categories: art · asana · faern · faernworks · interlude : actuate · mixed media · photography
Tagged: faern, faernworks, photography, asana, art, mixed media, priceless, false profit llc
POSE OF THE MONTH: Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose)
June 4, 2010 · 1 Comment
POSE OF THE MONTH: Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose) written by Chrisandra Fox. Photo by Faern. model: tara dale
Commonly known as “legs up the wall”, the supported version of Viparita Karani Mudra (inverted action seal, inverted lake seal, whole body gesture) is a beautiful restorative pose that has been aptly adapted from its traditional form to offer relaxation and restoration in modern life.
After a long day of work, it feels natural to want to put your feet up and rest the body and mind from the concerns of the world.
Yoga teaches us how to rejuvenate even more effectively, by consciously integrating body, mind and Spirit. When practiced with props and held for some time, Viparita Karani can remove physical and mental fatigue, soothe the nervous system, and integrate the mind, body, and Spirit within one�s own awareness.
The nature of an inversion is to �invert� or reverse the position of the internal organs in the body to increase blood flow and improve their function. Inversions also work on our mental outlook, as we literally turn our world upside-down. Legs-up-the-wall is a long-held passive inversion that benefits all the organs, and revitalizes the mind.
This pose works on anxiety, headaches, blood pressure, digestion, depression, and menstrual irregularities, among other ailments.
A Little History. . .
In The Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the unsupported version of Viparita Karani is referred to as the �reversing attitude� seal. It resembles shoulderstand, and is described in the following way:
That nectar which flows from the moon has the quality of endowing enlightenment, but it is completely consumed by the sun, incurring old age. HYP 3.77
There is a wonderful means by which the nectar is averted from falling into the opening of the sun. This is obtained by the guru�s instructions and not from the hundreds of shastras (treatises). HYP 3.78
With the navel region above and the palate below, the sun is above and the moon below. It is called vipareeta karani, the reversing process. When given by the guru�s instructions, it is fruitful. HYP 3.79
The nectar oozes from a point in the brain — symbolizing the moon, and consciousness. The nectar falls into the navel region — which refers to the sun, and prana.
Viparita Karani Mudra belongs to the family of �fountain of youth� poses that are said to annihilate death and disease. By reversing the action of the downward flow of this nectar and assimilating it into the body, one is said to rejuvenate and preserve the cellular tissues, thereby slowing down the aging process. The yogi�s aim was to extend one�s life in order to achieve liberation (which takes time), and to enjoy the liberation for a long time once it has been realized.
By going upside down, we can also reverse the effects of divided consciousness or having a scattered mind � a state that many of us experience every day as our prana (life energy) and mental energy flows out through our senses toward whatever happens to be stimulating us in the moment.
A steady practice of Viparita Karani at the wall can help you to strengthen your outer practice of physical restoration and stillness, �reverse� the flow of the fluids in the body and increase blood flow and circulation, which can lead to greater physical health and well-being. This can strengthen your inner practices of �undoing� that lead to your balanced state of mind.
You will need a wall, a bolster or several blankets. You may also have a block, a strap and sandbag. Avoid this pose if you have serious eye problems, such as glaucoma.
The Pose
Place the bolster or 3-4 neatly folded blankets length-wise at the wall. Leave 4-6 inches from the wall for the flesh of your buttocks.
Sit in the center of the bolster, with one hip facing the wall. Place your hands on the floor behind you. Press into your hands and swing your legs up the wall. Rotate your torso so you are facing the wall. Bend your knees, press into your hands, and push your buttocks closer to the wall.
Bend your elbows and ease your shoulders to the floor. If your buttocks have moved away from the wall, bend your knees, rest your feet at the wall, and press into your hands to lift your hips and move your buttocks closer to the wall.
Once you have contact with the wall, tuck the shoulder blades down your back, rest your head on the floor and straighten your legs.
As simple as the pose seems, there are a number of variables to consider. We are looking for a slight backbend of the spine without overstretching the abdomen. The frontal hip points are parallel with your lower front ribs, supporting the arch of your low back. Your abdomen is soft, and as you rest in the pose, becomes deep, like a well. The chest is slightly lifted, to create a sense of spaciousness and openness.
You can check your alignment in the posture first by looking at your legs and feet. Reach actively through the soles of your feet and press your heels against the wall so that the backs of your legs are stretched. Feel for a sense of grounding as you press the heads of your thighbones against the wall. You can deepen this sensation by placing the heels of your hands on your upper thighs, close to where the thigh and pelvis meet, and pressing firmly towards the wall. Keep the pressure steady as you breathe and allow for a sense of length in your low belly.
An option is to loop a strap around your legs once you�ve gotten into the pose. Place the strap across your lower thighs, just above your knee, and tighten it just enough to keep your legs in the shape of Tadasana (Mountain Pose).
Keep the buckle of the strap off your skin so that you minimize the potential distraction of that sensation as you deepen into your pose of relaxation.
For extra grounding, place a sandbag on your feet. Have a friend place the sandbag evenly across your feet, or bend your knees into your chest. Place the sandbag into the soles of your feet and straighten your legs. Allow the weight of the sandbag to help ground your thighs.
Rest your arms out to your sides, up alongside your head, or with hands resting on your belly. If your neck feels over- stretched, place a blanket beneath your shoulders, so that the curve in your neck is supported, while your head rests on the floor.
Release the effort in your legs, without losing their shape. Bring your attention to the downward flow of energy from the soles of your feet through your legs, into your abdomen, and toward your head. Feel for the sense of grounding in the pose, with the radiant expanse of energy from your heart through your arms to the hands.
Become aware of your process of surrender to the shape of the pose, and witness as your breath deepens and expands into that shape. Can you surrender to the undoing, the letting go and the reversing of the normal activities of your body?
Feel your energy collect in the vital region of your body and follow that warmth all the way to your third eye point in the head, softening your eyes, ears, mouth, and brain. Feel the coolness across your brain, in your eyes. Allow your entire being to bathe in this flow of energy in your body and become fully restored � mind, body, and spirit.
Stay for 3-5 minutes, gradually building up to a longer session of 20-30 minutes maximum. When you are ready to come out, unlock the buckle of the strap, bend your knees toward your chest and slide the sandbag down the wall. Remove the sandbag, place your feet against the wall and slide off the bolster and away from the wall so that your back is on the floor. You can rest for a few minutes with the soles of your feet pressed against one another (Supta Baddha Konasana) and your legs resting on the bolster.
Roll to your right side before you get up to greet the world from your renewed perspective of peace and calm.
Chrisandra Fox teaches Viparita Karani in all its forms and other mudras in weekly classes at Yoga Tree. Click here for her schedule. She leads The Heart of Renewal Retreats in California and throughout the world.
Model: Tara Dale
Photography by Faernworks, Faernworks.com
also posted at : http://connectedefforts.wordpress.com/2010/06/05/pose-of-the-month-viparita-karani-legs-up-the-wall-pose/
Categories: asana · asana of the month · faern · faernworks · photography · yoga related · yoga tree sf
Tagged: faernworks, asana, yoga tree s.f., chrisandra fox, yoga, pose of the month
interesting where asana finds itself somtimes
May 8, 2010 · 1 Comment
hands up
i get invited to take pictures of the most interesting moments sometimes…
it goes somewhere. .blue girl.
Calli Beck with Bad Unkl' Sista @ Spiderball 09
kk ledford the beltane shoot
johanna and john's engagement shoot
this past week, or so, i found myself inside the fillmore-
now, this isn’t new at all- we know that i take pics for Ozomatli there, among some other people…
ozomatli, up in the air as usual
so yeah, i’m used to the location, the security, the camera rules (which they didn’t really enforce i have to say- i did use my flash at times *tisk*tisk* for the fillmore, and usually causes an uproar among security… but not this time… (and no huge crowd pushing on my back either)
janet stone teaching at the fillmore
i really didn’t want the flash anyhow.
they did, however, refuse to let me behind the curtain for a better vantage point from the stage, as is my habit, works well with one of my lenses… oh well… so i went on the balcony instead- i don’t argue with them about that anymore.
but, the location, the floor of the fillmore practicing yoga- It’s Wanderlust at The Fillmore sf- i didn’t practice, but just watching it was interesting- Shiva Rea did comment on the whiskey, i think it was, “being just right there… odd…” i thought that was funny… and odd myself…
Shiva Rea teaching at the Fillmore, S.F.
but overall people looked like they were having fun…
yoga at the fillmore
there was music and stuff afterwards, as is the way of wanderlust …
jeremy simon and seren rubens
jeremy simon and seren rubens
Categories: asana · bad unkl sista' · beltane · faern · faernworks · kk / faern collaboration · ozomatli · photography · san francisco · yoga related · yoga tree sf
Tagged: faern, faernworks, asana, yoga tree s.f., ozomatli, yoga, the fillmore, fillmore, the fillmore sf, shiva rea, janet stone
POSE OF THE MONTH: Ardha Matsyendrasana
April 29, 2010 · 2 Comments
POSE OF THE MONTH: Ardha Matsyendrasana (Lord of the Fishes Pose or Half Spinal Twist)
With Chrisandra Fox
In the Tantric universe, Shakti represents infinite energy and the catalyst for change, and Shiva represents supreme consciousness. In other Hindu systems, Shakti is the divine feminine creative power, embodied in the feminine form and as fertility. Shakti is the energy that animates and is interdependent with the entire universe.
Picture this: Shiva is meditating, deep in stillness, and all is well. His beloved consort, Parvati—an embodiment of Shakti—sneaks up from behind and covers both his eyes.
The entire universe begins to shake, the pulsation causing great movement, activity, darkness, and the imminence of death. Shiva’s third eye opens as a blazing sun, and again, all is well as Shiva regains quiet stillness.
In the physical body, when we practice twists, we enter the dance of these two lovers—the masculine and feminine, consciousness and energy. According to the tradition, the cosmic feminine energy lies dormant as the coiled serpent and spiritual potential within each of us, Kundalini. Upon activation, this cosmic energy emanates forth in spiral waves, and within this spanda, we experience the rising of Kundalini Shakti, the energetic spiritual potential of the individual.
According to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, when ardha matsyendrasana is practiced, prana and apana vayus are brought together in the navel center, thus activating this process of awakening knowledge of the Self.
Ardha Matsyendrasana is named for the great fish, Matsyendranath, who overheard the teachings of yoga by Lord Shiva to Parvati, and who reincarnated to be one of the world�s greatest yogis.
This deep twist stimulates digestion and detoxification, balances the parasympathetic nervous system, stimulates liver and kidneys, energizes the spine, and can be therapeutic for sciatica, infertility, and asthma.
In practicing this seated twist, we can attune to the great spanda, and experience the subtle spiraling pulsations of energy that make up all of creation. Awareness of these waves brings us more deeply into an awareness of prana shakti, or the power of who we are, not just as physical beings, but as beings with a spiritual nature. As we attune to this energy, we may become more aware of our place within the entire universe, and grow within this awareness to realize the fullest expression of our unfolding, creative Self.
The Pose
Prepare for this seated twist with standing postures, including standing twists and poses that help open your hips and shoulders.
Sit in Dandasana (staff pose). Extend both legs, and place your hands alongside your hips. If your low back is rounded, sit on the edge of a blanket, so that your pelvis remains in an upright position, and you maintain your lumbar curve.
Bend your left knee and place your left foot to the outside of your right knee. You can work from this position if your hips are tight. Otherwise, bend your right knee and place your foot close to your outer left hip.
Place your left hand behind your back, close to your pelvis, and hug your left thigh in towards your chest with your right arm.
Keep an active press through the base of your left big toe, and drop the weight of the right side of your pelvis towards the ground.
Inhale and left your chest. On an exhalation, draw your navel towards your spine and twist to your left. Use your inhalation to lengthen your spine, and your exhalation to deepen the twist. You may also raise your right arm alongside your ear, lengthening the right side of your body as you inhale. If the flexibility is there, sweep your right arm to the outer left thigh on an exhalation, and maintain pressure between your arm and thigh. From here, you can bend your elbow and point your fingers towards the sky, or, if your elbow clears your left shin as you extend your arm, rest your hand on your left foot.
Twists invoke a beautiful, deep contracting aspect in the organs, while creating space for the breath to fill and expand the back body. Gently fan your back ribs and expand your kidneys as you empty your belly and coil your ribs into the twist.
Feel the twist arising from deep in your belly and low spine, and allow your heart to follow the twist. Turn your head, so that you are gently twisting your neck in the line of your spine. Continue to deepen your sense of grounding through your sitting bones as you create spiral action in your spine.
Now, tune into the spiral action by lengthening your exhalation and creating space for your next inhalation. Turn your neck in the direction opposite the spine, and turn your chin towards your right shoulder.
Twists help us challenge our habitual patterns of mind by inviting new patterns of be-ing in our bodies. As we squeeze our organs and tap into the spiral action of the twist, we are asked to move our breath into different parts of our bodies, while finding equanimity in the twist. This can influence a shift in our awareness and ways of thinking.
Take time in the twist to make sense of your new orientation, using the breath as your guide for understanding the pattern of the twist.
When you are ready to come out, use an inhalation to slowly release your spine, and gently twist in the opposite direction, offering a brief counter-balance to the strong spiraling energy.
Bring your spine to neutral and sit, witnessing the subtle pulsations of energy, and the radiant dance within your Shakti-full being before coming into the second side.
Chrisandra teaches daily doses of twists and other poses at Yoga Tree.
Photography by Faernworks, www.faernworks.com
Chrisandra teaches 5 classes at Yoga Tree and leads The Heart of Renewal Retreats locally and abroad. (http://www.yogatreesf.com/teachers/chrisandra_fox.htm).
also posted at:
http://www.yogatreesf.com/newsletter/images/may10_pose.html
http://connectedefforts.wordpress.com/2010/04/30/pose-of-the-month-ardha-matsyendrasana/
Categories: asana · asana of the month · body · faern · faernworks · photography · yoga related · yoga tree sf
Tagged: faern, faernworks, asana, san francisco, yoga tree s.f., hayes valley, chrisandra fox, yoga, pose of the month, hayes valley yoga tree, asana of the month, Ardha Matsyendrasana
on a day like today, i share asana
April 17, 2010 · 1 Comment
Categories: asana · faern · faernworks · photography · san francisco · yoga related
Tagged: faern, faernworks, photography, asana, san francisco, silvie hibdon, beach, headstand, sirsasana
POSE OF THE MONTH: Vasisthasana (Pose dedicated to the sage, Vasistha)
April 1, 2010 · 2 Comments
POSE OF THE MONTH: Vasisthasana (Pose dedicated to the sage, Vasistha)
With Chrisandra Fox
Photography by Faern
The pose dedicated to the sage, Vasistha – this beautiful version of “side plank” is a balance pose that requires coordinating expressions of strength and yielding. The pose strengthens and tones the shoulder girdle, abdomen, low spine, and legs, and can deepen your sense of equanimity, trust, and open-heartedness. Try practicing this pose outside, on the earth and beneath the open sky, and feel how the actions of this pose orchestrate with the currents of energy and intention flowing throughout your body.
Preparation
Stand in Tadasana (Mountain Pose), with your feet hip width apart, and arms alongside your torso. Draw your thighbones back. As you spread broadly across the bases of your toes and root down through your legs, can you feel the rebounding energy rise up through your inner thighs and spine? Release your tail towards your heels, soften your front ribs, and gently tone your navel towards your spine. As your roots grow, draw the breath gently into the uppermost part of your lungs, allowing for a sense of fullness across your chest.
Inhale, sweep your arms out to the sides and up overhead. On an exhalation, roll your spine and pelvis forward to Uttanasana (Intense Forward Stretch). Step or hop both feet back to Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-facing Dog). Press your thighbones back, spiraling them in as you release your heels towards the ground. Broaden the shoulder blades on your back ribs, soften the tops of your shoulders, and release through the sides of your neck.
The work of your hands and feet will strongly influence your balance in Vasisthasana. Set up your foundation by establishing connection to the earth through your hands and feet. On a sticky mat, you may be able to open across the bases of your fingers and release each finger towards the floor with equal effort. If you are practicing on sand, grass, or mulch, try lightly “gripping” at the ground with your finger pads. This will strengthen your hands and wrists, and set you up for a “lift” in the center of your palm that will radiate energy through the channel of the arm to the chest.
Inhale to plank, draw your shoulders above your wrists and press actively through your heels. Repeat the action of releasing your tail toward your heels, as you press your thighbones into your hamstrings and draw the abdomen in.
The Pose
Step your feet together, place your left hand on the ground under your face and roll onto the outer edge of your left foot. Rest your right arm alongside your torso. Reach through the soles of both feet and lengthen your outer thighs towards your outer heels. Feel the inner thighs draw up as you deepen your sacrum in your pelvis and engage through your navel center.
(Variation: You can also cross your right ankle over your left, still working your legs equally. Or, bend your left knee and support your weight on your left shin. Extend your right leg out to the side. )
Inhale, and lift your right arm towards the sky. Anchor both shoulder blades on your back ribs, keep your chest broad as you open to the expansiveness of the sky. Keep your breath steady, turn your gaze up, lengthen and expand.
This may be challenge enough, to find that sweet spot in the space of gravity and levity. Feel the grounding actions of your legs and standing arm towards earth, and the rising, floating, expansive invitation towards sky.
Vasistha was a son of Brahma, a revered sage and seer. He authored hymns of the Rigveda dedicated to deities who represent qualities of nature – fire, wind, the sun, rain -, and was a teacher to many. Intelligent, selfless, and embodying peace, Vasistha attained great spiritual achievement and imparted great wisdom.
As you practice the pose, feel the dedicated effort in your body and within your intentions. As you remember your breath and keep a soft gaze, can you honor your connection to earth and sky – and feel the outer world support your inner “being” in the pose? As the pose evolves in your body, can you rest peacefully in your awareness of your place in Nature, and the many gifts that come from that awareness?
Try dancing into the full pose, as photographed. Turn your gaze to the ground, bend your right knee and take hold of the base of your big toe. You’ll want to steady the effort in your standing leg as you inhale and extend your right leg toward the sky. Keep both shoulder blades firmly gripping your back body as you spiral your right thighbone in, lengthen through your tail, and energize through your leg to the sole of your foot. Steady now, on an inhalation, turn face towards the sky. Can you gaze at the tip of your nose as you open graciously across your heart, chest, and shoulders?
When you are ready to land, release the big toe grip, take both hands to the earth and press back to Adho Mukha Svanasana. Inhale to plank, and come into the second side.
Rest in Balasana (child’s pose), surrendering your efforts and the weight of your body to the sweet embrace of Mama Earth.
Chrisandra teaches 5 classes at Yoga Tree and leads The Heart of Renewal Retreats locally and abroad. (Click here for her schedule). Her favorite place to practice Vasisthasana is beneath the sun, the moon, and the stars.
Photography by Faernworks, Faernworks.com
also posted at :
Categories: asana of the month · faernworks · yoga related · yoga tree sf
Tagged: faern, faernworks, photography, asana, yoga tree s.f., chrisandra fox, yoga, pose of the month, vasisthasana
POSE OF THE MONTH: Natarajasana With Chrisandra Fox, photography by faern
March 5, 2010 · 1 Comment
POSE OF THE MONTH: Natarajasana With Chrisandra Fox, photography by faern
Nataraja is one of the many names for Shiva, the Lord of the Dance, and the great source of yoga. Shiva dances the Tandava, a divine dance that produces all rhythm and movement within the cosmos. In this cosmic dance, so beautifully represented in Indian art, Shiva dances the manifestations of eternal energy in the rhythms of creation, protection, destruction, concealment, and release or liberation from the world of illusion.
And, yet, he embodies the enormous paradox of manifesting fierce outer activity while dissolving into deep inner tranquility.
We can express our own dance of eternal energy while practicing Natarajasana, a vigorous standing balance posture that incorporates deep back bending, hip opening, an abdominal massage of the vital organs, and circulation of the heart energy.
This posture challenges our internal stability, as we stand rooted through one leg, and invite rhythms of movement through lifting the opposite leg. Here, we find a creative tension that preserves our balance and yet allows us to then go deeper into the pose to witness the great opening of the heart.
The field of the dance of Nataraja is the universe, which is the center of the heart or consciousness of each person. As you practice this pose, stay connected to your breath and cultivate a steady presence – like an unwavering flame – in the center of your heart.
The Pose
Stand in Tadasana (Mountain Pose). Stand strongly through your left leg as you bend your right knee and bring your right heel towards your buttock. Take hold of your big toe, the inside of your right ankle or, to modify the pose, a strap looped around your ankle.
As you inhale, raise your left arm overhead, extending through your fingertips, and engaging your shoulder blade firmly on your back ribs.
Press your right foot against your hand and use the resistance to float your right thigh towards the sky. Keep your hips steady left to right, so that your right thigh is not turning out. This will keep the back wall of your pelvis broad and even in preparation for the deeper backbend. Lower your left arm parallel to the floor, gazing towards the tip of your nose, or your fingers.
Your spine may dip forward – keep a lift through your spine and abdomen, lengthen your belly as you inhale, and gently tone your navel center as you exhale. Can you soften your lower front ribs? Can you bring the fullness of your breath to your kidneys in your back body, even as you deepen your backbend? Ground through your standing leg, spreading across the bases of your toes and drawing energy up towards your heart.
Feel the creative tension in the shape of the pose, as your torso moves forward and your leg presses backwards.
There are many wonderful variations you can take in this pose.
To deepen the backbend and bind the pose, bend your right elbow out to the side, and sweep your inner elbow up alongside your ear. Lift your left arm overhead, and bend left elbow. Grasp your toes with your left fingers, or take hold of the strap in both hands. Now, lengthen through the shoulders as you lift elbows towards the sky. Press your right foot and shin back as you explore the radiant opening of your heart, chest, shoulders, and abdomen.
Keep your eyes in a soft and steady gaze. Nataraja is often depicted with a stoic expression on his face, suggesting neutrality, equanimity, and balance within the chaos of his dance. You may find just the hint of a smile, as you attune to the vibratory nature of the pulse of your being, and dance to the rhythm of your breath.
Chrisandra teaches a steady rhythm of classes and the Heart of Renewal Retreats at Yoga Tree and in the Bay Area. Click here for her schedule. www.chrisandrafox.com
posted originally at http://www.yogatreesf.com/newsletter/images/mar10_pose.html
Categories: asana · asana of the month · faernworks · yoga tree sf
Tagged: asana, asana of the month, chrisandra fox, faernworks, pose of the month
