camel series

 now we are going to look yet again, at how a simple version of a pose, leads to being able to do the more advanced pose

using ushtrasana, the camel pose

a) Previously, we looked at the most simple, most basic version of camel, here

b) Then moved onto other easy versions, here. 

These can go from the first simple version, onto these next ones. You can also do the easy camel twists in (b) then move into the (a) version.

c) This shows how to put the above two and the poses in this post, together, to make a camel flow. See how to here

d) Then we got a bit fancier and also harder with our camels, starting with more easy variations, and ending up with another pose. And put them into flows. here

Included in the above posts are:

• a beautiful little camel salutation (ushtrasana namaskara)
• and two different methods for people to learn how to sit on and between their lower legs.

So, a lot of info here. We can see how going from a simple kneeling camel can lead to the camel proper. 

 now we come to the most difficult camel of all, because it requires strength, whereas other camels don't really

1) As you can see, the first version is the same as a version given in our previous post, and also shown in the photos at the end of this post, except here the fingers touch the toes, with the hands turned intowards the body, palms down. Go into the backward bend in this photo, and hold. Three breaths is fine.

2) To progress, start as for (1), bending backwards, then inhale as you raise your buttocks high, going into a deeper pose. You can exhale and come down and repeat a couple of more times, or just get into the pose and hold

3) Same as for (2), except - start from sitting upright, not leaning back. This raises the level of difficulty a lot!! (and  gives beautiful hips and thighs)

4) Move your fingers onto your feet, not reaching the balls of the feet. You can do this as # (2) or (3). This is hard!!

5) You guessed it - palms on heels and again, using the methods of # (2) or (3) above. 

going EVEN deeper

Learning how to do # (5) gives us the strength to be able to do the final pose in the photos below. 

• The second photo gives a starting point. Go up into this pose then place your elbows on the floor, dropping your head back. 
• alternatively, and easier, get into position sitting on your lower legs, lean back and place one elbow and forearm at a time on the floor, then raise your buttocks as high as you can. (phew)
• you can also simply grip your thighs, and bend backwards in a high kneeling position. You might like to keep that grip on your legs whilst holding the pose.

In the final pose there is no hand nor arm support, the crown is on the floor and hands are in prayer pose on the chest. To come out of it, place one arm at a time on the floor and gently lower yourself down. 

      

I haven't finished - yes, there is more to come.....

you might also like this post about simple cleansing breathing here

and my lifestyle blog here

if you have any queries or comments, please contact me xx