We're having a new roof as the old one was leaking. I've spent a lot of time looking up at
Victorian roofs over the last few weeks. Researching finials, roof tiles and the different pitches. I've become a bit obsessed and there's a lot to learn. (If you're interested vikki_poole instagram).
It's funny that I've also been looking at a pose called upavistha konasana, (wide leg forward fold) and supta konasana (same legs in shoulder stand) in my yoga classes which is also dependent on getting the right 'pitch' or angle at the hips. Both these poses have upward facing versions which require hip flexor and lower abdominal strength to hold.
So angles in one way or another have been dominating a lot of my thought process!
Whilst I've been obsessing with roof tops as well as hip flexors it reminded me of what I talked about in my last blog in being more in tune with our senses. Seeing, feeling, tasting, smelling and hearing being the most obvious 5.
So much of the time we walk around with our eyes closed don't we? Yoga can help us really see things we've only previously noticed.
But this happens both on and off the yoga mat. I mean I've noticed Victorian roofs before but never really looked at them properly. Often we need a reason to re awaken our senses (like fixing a leaky roof). It's not realistic to be constantly creating and developing all our senses all the time. But equally we can get bored for example cooking the same foods or doing the yoga poses we find comfortable.
It goes back to feeling the feels, awakening our senses and only when we find something difficult or uncomfortable that we perhaps tune in more. Also, change doesn't happen overnight. Often requiring effort, patience and time. This is Tapas, which means self-discipline.
Yoga sutra 1.2 is about ceasing the fluctuations of the mind. Stopping the thoughts whirling around and being present. Being more in tune with our feelings. Seeing and feeling more mindfully, rather than just noticing. Sometimes when we do this - a lightbulb moment can happen!
In looking at these angled poses and balance points, I've found new respect for the psoas muscle. Of how complex it is. It makes total sense that if it is weak (often from too much sitting down) then other areas i.e. the lower back and even the knees can take the extra strain.
In fact one of the drills I've been sharing is from a client whose physio gave her to strengthen the knee. It is all about isolating the psoas.(I've shared a few more tips to strengthen this muscle in my instagram reels).
When 'rocking up' from supta konasana to a point of balance it requires a 'have a go' attitude. Putting aside the narratives our mind wants to tell us, as in yoga sutra 1:2. And you know what, if you rock back, who cares? Everyone has to start somewhere. Maybe one day it will happen. A light bulb moment!
This is like finding your edge, going out of your comfort zone, or 'Freezing the Fear (Wim Hof style), which really helps us fully tune in.
I'm rather excited to be off to a salvage yard in Bedfordshire today to check out a roof finial I've found online. I've had to be patient and wait until the builder was able to advise the perfect pitch. It needs to be 75 degrees. Almost the same as when you rock up from supta konasana.
Have a lovely weekend.
Namaste.
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