Sometimes when we start doing yoga we want to be able to do everything the way we’ve seen it in pictures or in YouTube videos. That desire isn’t wrong, but we need to be realistic with where we are in our practice.
If we do asanas (poses/postures) without the use of a prop when we need one, we are doing ourselves a disservice. When we strain or crumple our body to “get into a pose” we are not actually in the pose. Poses are designed have specific alignment for the spine, trunk and limbs to ensure the best results for your body.
In the photo above, you can see me doing extended side angle pose or Utthita Parshvakonasana. If I were to bring my hand directly onto the floor I would be collapsed in my side body. We want BOTH sides of the body to be extended not only one. Therefore, I used a block and brought the floor to me instead of forcing myself to the floor and losing proper alignment. As our practice progresses, we will get more stretch in the inner thigh allowing for a wider stance. We can turn the block to shorter sides making the space between the hand and the floor less and less. Eventually, we will have the ability to get our hands to the floor without collapsing in our side body.
Namaste & Peaceful Practicing
Brenda