Shouldering the Burden Details
The Shoulder Joint
The Levator Scapulae
image source
The Skeleton
About Alignment Ideas
Alignment information is incredibly helpful for creating a safe and comprehensible container in which we can begin to experience ourselves. Like rules of play in a game, or standards in poetry, the constraints allow for a particular and unexpected blossoming. It would be incredibly difficult to begin the practice of yoga asanas without some basic guidelines. And it would be challenging to grow without letting them go.
The danger with presenting alignment techniques is the risk that they will be adopted as correct. And even though our own practices might have changed and morphed over the years, when we come across a new idea, sometimes we can feel that we have finally found "the right" way.
Most alignment information is simply a pointer to assist us in feeling our own True Alignment, and when we are graced to experience this magic, the external alignment information loosens its grip. Here at Lulu Bandha's we like to play with different styles of engineering because we like the quality of attention honed with new approaches and delight in new surprises.
Teacher Sourcces
Thank you. This Sequence is drawing from the teachings of Doug Keller, Patricia Sullivan and Erich Schiffmann.
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Doug Keller
As of this video production, I have had the opportunity to study with Doug Keller twice. From him I learned the technique presented in "Hitchhiking Dolphin*" and the suggestion of relaxing the levator scapulae. He is a well spring of understanding. From his site, you can access his articles, teacher training manuals and cds. I recommend this article and this one for further understanding of the shoulder joint.
Since filming, Doug came to Lulu Bandha's in April 2010.
* Hitchiking Dolphin was not Doug's name and it has since been renamed "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues"
 Doug Keller's website
Doug's Facebook Page
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Patricia Sullivan
The techniques presented in "Block Party" were learned from Patricia Sullivan. Watching this video in which she talks about the sacrum as the keystone in Tadasana was a light bulb for me with the neck in handstand. And all of a sudden what was a frustrating effort, has become a relaxing easeful place of play.
More Videos with Patricia
Patricia's Website
Patricia's Facebook Page
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Erich Schiffmann
Erich Schiffmann, my primary teacher, was the first to suggest "getting heavy" through the hands in plank and dog pose. Only once I learned how to simultaneously relax in the neck muscles, I was able to apply it towards handstand.
Erich Schiffmann is the 'Chairman of the Board' of the Ojai Yoga Crib. Practicing for over 40 years, Schiffmann gives us the tools and permission to follow our own inner guidance. Author of one of the best modern texts on yoga, "Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness," Erich teaches around the globe. You can access more talks and video from his website as well as become a member of his warm and welcoming community. Catch him at the next Crib.
Erich's Website
Erich's Facebook Page
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I have been feeling restricted in right upper ribs all the way up to my right shoulder. This series helped so much. Thank you! Breathing better now. x