Half-Way Lift – Do you skim it?

Ardha Uttanasana, the humble half-way lift, often just a means to an end in your average vinyasa class. Well, is it important?

That would all depend, it always depends. What is the purpose of your practice today? Are you flowing to move your body, create heat, just to get out of your head? Then, maybe, it doesn’t matter at all. Move your body, get out of your mind, connect with your breath. 

If, however, you are looking to use your practice. Use your movements. Vinyasa- Vi= in a special way, Nyasa= to place. We all too often forget, when moving and flowing, that the definition of vinyasa is to move with purpose; to place in a special way. Why then do we skip, depriving ourselves of growth or mindfulness or understanding. 

I often say in class, the movement between poses is as important as the pose itself. It’s not the outcome, it’s the journey. It’s the mindful movement, it’s becoming aware of our habitual patterns; on and off the mat. Why do we move the way we do? Habit? Structure? Injury? Get curious, pay attention.

So, try different things. What is your aim? Is there one? Your Sankalpa (intention), should be driving your practice. I hesitate to write ‘should’ as it is just my opinion; thoughts and feelings, not facts. You ‘should’ do what feels right to you. 

Things to try!

Thing number 1, one of the most important ques I use when teaching power yoga, lengthen from the crown of your head to your tailbone. Soften the knees and focus on the engagement of the back-body. If reaching the arms forward try and wrap the scapular (shoulder blades) around the outside edge of your body, this could help engage your lats (back/side body muscles (big ones)) which you will need if your aiming towards floating/jumping/crow-ing back to your plank/low plank.

Hand placement! On the shins, reaching forward arms shoulder width apart with palms facing towards one another (like the photos at the top), reaching down with the same arm placement.

Foot placement, together or apart, toes in or out. Take the time to notice what that does to your legs and activation.

Most importantly…

Remember that it’s your practice, when in a class or on your own, take the time to feel into your body and breath. They hold the keys to unlock, stay curious.