Rooted Opening

About this Sequence

Using a strap and a block, this sequence is designed to help create some memories of tension that you can use to help align/engineer your postures for more stability. The key to engineering, however, is to know when to stop engineering and allow the resulting currents to flow.

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.

Location of the Sacrum

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Teacher Sourcces

Thank you to Patricia Sullivan for sharing these techniques and to Erich Schiffmann for reminding us to release them.

	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
	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