23rd June 2021 - new pose

As I finish the half-primary series and begin backbends, one of the teachers comes over to give me a new pose. He explains it without demonstrating: “jump from downward dog to bring your legs in front of your hands.”

I don’t understand.

He repeats the instruction, smiling.

I try, landing with my feet either side of my hands, but not in front. It seems impossible to land with my feet in front of my hands and not fall over.

“Try it again.”

This time I make it. He then tells me to hook my feet in front of my face, balancing on my hands, and touch my head to the floor. I vaguely remember this from the last time I practiced Astanga in a dedicated way. But my body has no muscle memory of this pose and I feel very clumsy. He helps me practice the pose twice, and then says to continue with the closing sequence.

I feel surprisingly excited to have been given this new pose. This progressive aspect of Mysore style Astanga, where the teacher is tuned in to where you are and what you’re ready for, really appeals to me. It makes me feel supported and known.