Ashtanga 4

Led primary series class on Fridays. I did fairly well and really worked on my jump backs. I am noting problems with Janu Shirsasana B. When I sit up on my ankle I loose the ability to forward bend completely. I need to call Matthew over to work on this next week. I fudged my way through Bhujapidasana by letting my feet touch the ground slightly, but it was only my second time with that asana, so I'll take it. I ended with Kurmasana and though I was able to get my chin to the floor I was unable to get much lift in my legs. I then moved on to my finishing sequence.

Matthew did manage to get the entire primary into an hour and a half. Some notes on the vinyasa: there was no vinyasa between Padangushtasana and Padahastasana, we just took a breath in and let go of the bind and then put the hands under the feet. Like wisewith all the side bending positions. No vinyasa between sides, start with the left bend, come up, move feet and then do the other side, then up and then jump to the top of the mat in Samasthiti. No vinyasa inbetween Prasarita Padottanasana A, B, C, and D either. No vinyasa is performed betwen Paschimattanasana A, B and C either.

I am so glad I hooked up with Matthew before heading to New York! I spoke with Liz about no longer coming to her Monday morning classes and she totally understood. Last Monday evening she slipped and tore two ofher three hamstrings from her bone. It's going to set back her practice quite a bit. She seems to be in good spirits about it, but I know it must be rough for her. I must always be mindful of over ambition with the asanas. Practice daily with awareness and they will come.