Poses >> Agnistambhasana

Agnistambhasana
1. Begin by sitting in baddhakonasana. Then slide your hands under your right calf; lean back slightly, sliding your left calf under you a tad, then place your right ankle on your left knee. Take a look down and make sure that your left ankle is directly under your right knee, not under the thigh. This is a real square-shaped pose, which is also known as “ankle to knee” for obvious reason.
2. This is a pretty major hip opener and you might want to stay right here for a couple of lifetimes. Or try these modifications:
  a. Keep the bottom leg straight and just bend the top leg into position.
  b. Start at the very beginning and just bend your legs toward this position, placing one ankle over the other one — a much less intense position but still something to talk about!
3. If you are reasonably comfortable sitting up in agni sambhasana and your spine is tall and you are breathing easily, then you can start to fold forward. Long spine, open chest, open eyes, open mind.
4. Folding forward steps along the way:
  a. Place your forearms on blocks.
  b. Place your head on a block.
  c. Place blocks under your knees.
5. This used to be my least favorite pose and now it is one of my most favorite. So it is nice to be reminded that everything changes. Try not to mentally solidify your experience of this pose. Good luck!

Agni Sambhasana with a Twist
1. Staying upright, place your palms together in front of your chest. Inhale and grow taller. If your right leg is on top, then twist to the left or vice versa. Place the right elbow in the arch of the right foot and twist left. You can sensitively press down with your left hand onto your right to help increase the twist. Visualize your spine and rotate around it with precision and interest. No aggression, please.
2. Try to keep your feet bright and your hips evenly grounded. Inhale and untwist. Ahh….

Video and Text by Yogamates Featured Teacher: Cyndi Lee