In the past weeks we made our way through the names of the fundamental asanas! So... now it's time to get to the names of the primary series. Today we will start with the name of the first asana of the primary series. Excited? Alright! Here we go!  

HUZZAH!

All these words have popped up before in the fundamental asanas. I am sure you can actually puzzle this together yourself  - I believe in you!

Thus, before checking out the name.... go back to the fundamental asana names, I am sure you can easily puzzle this one together then! For checking whether you got it right, you can then (not before) scroll down below the photos.

Demonstrated above very purry and graciously, with correct drsti ;) -  Nick the Cat - as featured by this amazing calendar (and resource)   -and below  me at home practice.

What do you think about Nick? 
​I think he's got it all figured out!

Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose

Utthita = extended
Hasta = hand
Padangustha = big toe
Asana = pose

And here we are already at the last of the fundamental poses: Parsvattonasana!!
Spend some time this and next week to review all the names of the fundamental poses!

Intense Side Stretch
Parsva = Side
Uttana - extended, intense
Asana = pose

Here, Marije is demonstrating the ekam position of parsvattonasana, just before dve (coming into the state of the asana). Marije Joosten is one of our practitioners. It's always a pleasure to see her at practice!

Hello dear Practitioners!

A week has passed and it's time to move along with the names of the asana. Let me know how your learning is going, either drop feedback below or at practice at the school!

This week the four versions of the wide legged forward fold: prasarita padottanasana A-D!
An easy week as all four asanas have the same root name.  
Although easy, get on it!

Wide stance forward fold
Prasarita = wide stance
Pada = foot, leg
Uttana = intense stretch, extended
Asana = Pose

Last week we came up to Parivrtta Trikonasana, excellent! 
So this week, it's time to move on to the next poses! Here we go!

So, as for your next couple of practices integrate the names of the poses prior to those and these two into your practice. You can easily say them to yourself just before entering the pose during every practice. Yes! Do it and soon, very soon, the name of the asanas is a piece of cake. Really!

Please do start to learn the names of the asanas you practice! It does make a difference!
You practice almost daily, what you practice is not arbitrary, it only makes sense to also know what you actually practice -with that,  the name of a pose you are in.

You can start with baby steps! No need to be able to know all the names of the asanas from one day to next, but do start. Start this week with the first four fundamental poses, recite their names in your head when you get into them! Next week move to the next ones and so on. In no time the names stick to you, knowing the names of the poses and their meaning will further help you focus while practice will further reveal itself in different ways to you. Seriously, get on it! 

(Wouldn't it a bit funny if you were to cook up your soup and didn't know the names of the ingredients you put in?)

​We attempted this already a few times, like 4 years ago and it has been pointed out numerous times.
No more excuses! Let's get on it yogis!