Asana; Forward Bend

Choose 1 of the 5 Forward Bends

After you have chosen a forward bend go the next category: backward bend
Or go back to: Asana Chart

…remember, remember, remember…

* It is Shakti / Self / Brahman moving out as intelligence, mind, breath, and body.
* The mind leads the breath and the breath leads the movement.
* You cannot do this wrong, let your inner wisdom (buddhi) guide you. Stay within your capacity.
* Generally the inhale is used when you move against gravity (when you push up, move upwards or raise something) and generally the exhale is used when you move with gravity (when you release, move downward or let go).
* Moving the body is done so it is able to sit motionless, comfortable, steady,
and stable for meditation (Yoga Sutra 2.46). Yogasanas are practiced so you can sit in the meditation asana. All asanas are in service of your meditation asana.
* Sushumna awakening is the first goal during a meditation session.

Forward Bend choice number 1:

Step 1:

Step 2:

Some people might only go as far as this, which is ok! When you bend forward, experiment with bending the knees slightly or a lot. This will have an effect on your lower back. Do not push the knees backward so that the knees are locked, that’s not good for the knees.

Step 3:

Forward Bend choice number 2:

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Step 4:

Step 5:

Step 6:

Forward Bend choice number 3:

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Forward Bend choice number 4:

Step 1:

Step 2:

Forward Bend choice number 5:

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Step 4:

Go to the next category; backward bend