It was nice teaching on the solstice. I was thinking about it on the way into the studio & came up with the theme on the T ride.
I find it intriguing & comforting that the shortest day of the year marks the turning point towards spring. The darkest of times heralds a new beginning, even if it’s not obvious for some time. Long before the frost melts & the flowers come out, change has occurred. So we set the intention of finding renewal, even (especially!) in the midst of darkness.
Class plan was focused physically on neck, hips, shoulders. Kinda went like this:
Pranayama, cross-legged: Inhale, hold; exhale to uddiyana, hold
Unlocking the hips in Baddha Konasana
Rollbacks with block between thighs
Figure four hip/back release with leg extension
Twisting abs with a roll
Bridge with a block, figure four
Dolphin with one leg up
Classical Suns, 3 together, 2 alone
At wall: Dolphin, Chair with block, Forearm balance, Twisting Chair alternated with standing forward bend
Center: Twisting chair alternated with standing forward bends
B series into:
1) WII; Reverse warrior with neck release; Extended side angle variation with half bind
2) Triangle; Half Moon; Standing Splits
3) WI; Ostrich; Head to ankle prep; Head to ankle
Down dog to seated
Half Lotus Spinal Twist (strap modification)
Closing pose choice: Shoulderstand; Headstand; Pigeon
Savasana
Did Peter’s class after my own. Up WAAAY early tomorrow to practice before our flight. Cross fingers!!!