Yoga: Forearm Stand and false self-images

[igeret]

Yesterday in class I did Forearm Stand (Pincha Mayurasana) unsupported with both legs twice. I think that qualifies me as knowing how to do it :). So, here are some scenes of me doing Forearm Stand over the years.

The beginning
Forearm stand is actually a relief. I stand with my forearms and knees on the ground and try to straighten my legs. Then, as

Comments

[feministyogini]

forearm stands are my nemesis! I so desperately want to get there but my shoulders and upper arms burn when I am assisted up. I couldn't kick up for a long time, I think I'm almost there with the kicking. I just can't figure out how to push the floor away rather than hunch into my shoulders.

[igeret]

mm... I know how it is; I have my own nemesis pose and I'm sure to write about it one day.
About forearm stand - you could try it with a belt around your elbows (like in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fMkd4Y9pSY&feature=related)
I never tried it but when we used to help each other at class, we used to put our feet outside of the practitioner's elbows to keep them together and it seems to have the same effect (which really helped a lot).
Also, you could try practicing with your legs on a wall parallel to the floor. It's a little easier since some of the weight is on the legs but it's not as impossibly restricted as the preparatory "dog on the elbows" :). If that description wasn't clear enough I can send you a photo - just let me know

[feministyogini]

oh yeah, I've tried with a strap before. You're right, that guide on either side of the forearms helps. I guess I could continue to try on the wall (which I've done before). It's not the form that confuses me, it's the feeling in my body when I get there. It's too much pressure on my shoulders, neck and arms. My teacher thinks it's bandha issue but I'm not sure if that's it either :-/

[igeret]

So I decided to take a photo after all and you can find it at my latest post (I didn't know how else to send it :D) here:
http://igeret.livejournal.com/2289.html

[sashajwolf]

That's a really interesting connection between problems in the asanas and self-image - thank you for that. (I'm here via yoga).

[igeret]

I'm glad you liked it. I've seen your comments around the Yoga community so we are practically friends :).