The Handstand

by Ryan Butt

Coquitlam, British Columbia

Taken at the Como Lake Park in Coquitlam.  All of this set of images were taken for Six Senses Yoga Society.  I haven’t done a handstand for a while, was great to know I still can.

In doing a Hand Stand, you relax your chest and build power in your arms and wrists. Aside from that, this Asana helps improve your coordination and sense of balance. When you make progress and are finally able to stand loose from the wall, this exercise will give you a great mental reviver

1. Start this exercise by doing a Downward Facing Dog Asana first.

2.  Bend your knees and draw them closer to your arms.

3. Support yourself on your lower arms and walk or hop inwards until you have your back straight.

4. Swing one leg up. Let your lower back continue the movement. The pelvis then follows and your other leg moves upwards.

5. Bring both feet together and look at your focal point, which helps you to maintain your balance.

Try to keep the center of gravity between your shoulder blades in the upper back and not in your lower back. In a Hand Stand, many people compensate stiffness in the upper back by letting the center of gravity fall on the lower back, whereas it is particularly important to build up a well balanced alignment in this exercise. When you stand well-aligned, it is easier to maintain your balance, the exercise will feel more relaxed, and it will require less strength and energy.

by Damian Norman

Kamloops, BC

Wonderful autum day in New Westminster, to take photos.  Enjoying the day.

Submitted by Home Yoga Study

by Teasha Marie Norman

 Running through the woods near her

home in Coquitlam (when she lived in Coquitlam),

Teasha ate the apples and berries that heavily

populated the sides of the river.

Warrior One

by Ryan Butt

Coquitlam, British Columbia

This was taken at night at the Como Lake Park in Coquitlam.  All of this set of images were taken for Six Senses Yoga Society.  Challenging was balancing on the rock.

Virabhadrasana I improves balance and agility and strengthens your legs, back, and arms. It also targets the chest, shoulders, neck, and abdominal area.

1. Begin with Mountain Asana

2. Jump or move your left foot sideways so your feet are about four feet apart.

3.Turn your left foot 90 degrees to the left and position your right foot about 45 degrees to the left.

4. Rotate your torso to the left.

5. Bend your left knee. Make sure that the knee is directly above your foot. Bending too much may lead to knee injury if your knees are not very strong or you don’t stretch often.

6. Raise both hands – palms should be facing inward and fingers are outstretched.

This is a powerful Standing Asana which provides numerous benefits such as improved stamina and strength especially in the legs and ankles. Let your Yoga instructor guide you in performing this asana.

by Ryan Butt

Coquitlam, British Columbia

Photo of  Libby in the UK

Photographer: Jonathan Slater

 Submitted by

Six Senses Yoga Sociey