A BLOCK AND A WALL
Explore news ways of perfecting the Half Moon Pose with these props,
Does your balance wax and wane during Half Moon Pose? If so, why not try this yoga classic with the assistance of some props? In this supported version of the pose, a wall lends support and builds spatial awareness while a yoga block bridges the gap between fingers and floor.
Set yourself up with your back-body positioned a leg’s distance from the wall. Stand with your feet parallel, side-by-side, and pointing into the centre of the room.
Fold forward from the hips and place your left hand on a block positioned under the left shoulder and about 12 inches ahead of the foot on the same side.
Lift your right foot and place it on the wall at hip-height, parallel to the floor and ceiling. You will look like you’re in the middle of a side kick.
Rotate the torso away from the Earth until the shoulders and hips stack, right over left. Use the spin of the chest to support the right arm as it reaches to the heavens. As you gaze beyond your fingertips, remember that when a person points at the moon, you should look at the moon and not at the fingers.
Experience both the forces of gravity and levity as you enjoy five deep breaths. Then, land your pose and repeat it on the other side. YuMee Chung is a recovering lawyer who teaches yoga in Toronto. She is on the faculty of a number of yoga teacher training programs and leads international yoga retreats. Learn more about her at padmani.com