Feature Posture - Posture #8

Dandyamana-Bibhaktapada Paschimotthanasana



What does Dandyamana-Bibhaktapada Paschimotthanasana mean?
In Sanskrit, it means "Standing Separate Leg Stretching".

This posture is the one that makes your legs feel like they're going to rip apart; that tremendous stretching on the backs of your legs. You use your strength to increase or create flexibility. Notice the power you generate by pulling on your heels, it stretches the legs, hips, and spine. Remember to have thigh muscles contracted nice and tight like a rock to help you lock your knees.

This posture stretches and strengthens the sciatic nerves and the tendons in the legs. It also massages the internal abdominal organs and the small and large intestines. Standing separate leg stretching increases the flexibility in the pelvis, ankles, hip joints and especially the last five vertebrae of the spine.

*An important tip for this posture is that if you are having trouble grabbing underneath your heels, grab anywhere underneath the outside edge of your foot., even if it's just your fingertips. And also keep your weight forward on your toes.

• When did you attend Teacher Training?
  I attended teacher training in Spring 2006. I was Valet Dictorian and won the dialogue award… my yoga sucked but my dialogue was kick ass. It still is.

• What are your hobbies?
  My hobbies are fly fishing, DIY, reading, playing guitar, sculpture, painting...this is all a lie! I never have time to do hobbies, I do yoga! Yoga is my hobby, yoga is my life. I talk about yoga even to the woman in the supermarket, I practice yoga every day, if I don't, I make sure I spend at least 90 minutes sweating with guilt and thinking about the postures. It's better than nothing!

• Do you have any related education?
  Related education, no, I have a law degree so I can defend myself in a lawsuit should someone try and sue me for bursting their ear drums in class with my loud Welsh voice.

• What is your favorite posture and why? Least favorite posture?
  Most favorite: Favourite posture is standing head to knee pose (Dandayamana Janishirasana). I love the concentration and "mind over matter" mentality that the posture requires. I think it's a posture where you can improve your mental focus so much, it makes you so strong and determined and ambitious. I believe every posture in the yoga room relates to qualities and skills we can use outside of it. Try it and see who you become confident and strong willed as a result.
  
  Least favorite: Least favourite is awkward (Utkatasana) specifically part 1 part 2 and part 3. Mostly part 2, see below for reasons why.

• What was your most memorable class and teacher?
  Most memorable class was with Danny in Cambie studio last week. He KILLED me in awkward and especially part 2. It was probably the best thing anyone could ever do to push me so hard in it and shout at me to get back in when I fell out. My thighs were quivering like never before and since then it's improved so much. Plus, I now have thighs tastier and better looking than a prime turkey.

• What is the key to your practice?
  Always go to a teacher that pushes you, you'll go farther in your posture and you'll go farther in your life.

• When did you attend Teacher Training?
  Fall 2004, after beginning as a student in Fall 2002.

• What are your hobbies and do you have any related education?
  My hobbies are reading good fiction (Haruki Murakami and Barbara Kingsolver), researching and writing short articles about character homes, and learning more about Vancouver's building history – especially as that relates to the development of the West End neighborhoods. I am a Realtor. (naturalvancouverhomes.com; westendcharacter.com coming soon!)

• What is your favorite posture and why? Least favorite posture?
  Most favorite: My favorite posture is Toe Stand.
  
  Least favorite: My least favorite is Stretching pose.

• What was your most memorable class and teacher?
  You know, actually, it was my very first class that was most memorable. I was so shocked and amazed at how much sweat was pouring out of me and how exhilarating the yoga was. This was taught by David Robson in Toronto at the Bloor and Spadina Bikram studio.

It has been over three years since my daughter (Thanks, Erin) dragged me to my first Bikrams yoga class. Horrible as it was, I was hooked from the start. I will always remember my first few classes taught by Dale Hall. He must have thought I was going to expire because he fanned me with his towel. He was the only instructor to actually tell me to stop and lie down. How can I forget a practice that was so bad? Looking back, I have come a long way and feel a real sense of accomplishment.

I try to practice 3 to 4 times a week, usually at the Kits studio and when I can't take the humidity, I escape to the Cambie studio. I really enjoy the energetic atmosphere and have made many new friends. I still have difficult classes but overall I feel so much stronger. My back pain has not been eliminated but has decreased substantially. Getting through each class has made me stronger mentally and when you feel that slight shift in improvement in a posture, it is the greatest feeling.

Many of my friends have noticed a big improvement in me but say it is not for them. I say that if I can do it then anyone can because I am the biggest wimp going… just ask Erin.

BYV has an immediate opening for a General Manager to manage all its 3 Vancouver studios.

If you are interested, please follow the link below to see the description:

General Manager Position (PDF)

As of Feb 1st, there will be no late comers permitted into class. Be on time!!

Thanks BYV...

• Please turn off all cell phones and refrain from talking while in the yoga room.
• Please leave all belongings in the changing room and there are lockers for storage.
• Be mindful of your neighbor's space and visibility in the mirror.
• It is better to lie down and relax than to jump up and leave the classroom; however if it is necessary, please return to the room when class is in savasana rather than in a posture.
• Release expectations, open your mind and trust the process.