Asana Analysis
Published on October 7th, 2024 | by Catherine Tingey
0Bird Of Paradise
Bird of Paradise
As I’ve written about before, the bird totem shows up a lot in Classical yoga. Bird of Paradise is quite different from the family of Pigeon poses though and requires open hips, as well as shoulder joints that have a decent ROM (range of motion).
The student should be comfortable in binds, specifically Side Angle with a Bind as it is a preparatory pose. Ease in Standing Hand To Big Toe is helpful too.
As an advanced balance pose, I’ve never had a client who wanted to learn this, or already had this in their practice, but it’s a pose I enjoy in class when intelligent sequencing leads you to it.
Bird of Paradise is always a little surprising when you can lift off!
Preparatory Poses for Bird of Paradise
RECLINED
Half Happy Baby and Full Happy Baby
Reclined Hand to Big Toe Pose
PRONE
Half Frog
UPRIGHT
Lizard
Standing Hand to Big Toe Pose
Side Angle Pose with a Bind
Starting from Side Angle Pose with a Bind, step your back foot up.
Shift weight into that foot, lift through the inner arch, and stand on that leg.
Now draw your bound knee upwards, keep the knee bent.
Finally extend the bound leg, spreading the toes.
Lift the crown and press down with your standing leg.
Want to learn Bird of Paradise and how yoga can enrich your life and longevity?
Feel free to contact me here.
Namaste,
Catherine
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